Pillow with a falcon attacking a swan 1050 - 1350

This ceramic pillow, decorated with a falcon attacking a swan, was made in the Zhang family workshop. The pillow’s form and decoration embody a fascinating paradox. It is made of porcelain, a material valued for its refinement, yet it presents a very raw, immediate appearance. The bold strokes of the brush are visible, and the imagery is powerful. You might even call it brutal. The pillow’s stark, graphic impact is the result of skilled labor. Potters were experts in their materials, tools, and techniques, using high temperatures and precise firing schedules, but also in managing the division of labor. The use of workshops allowed for specialization and efficiency in production processes, reflecting broader economic and social structures. This reflects a transition towards more industrialized models, where the maker's individual expression becomes intertwined with collective production. Paying attention to the materials and making of an object can allow us to consider a wide historical context, challenging any distinction between fine art and craft.