Think football is just a modern obsession? Think again! 🌍 Long before the World Cup and global stadiums, the spirit of the "beautiful game" was already being captured in art—specifically, on a pillow. But here is the twist: the pillow is made of ceramic. 🏺
Dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), this unique artifact features a charming scene of a child playing cuju. For those who aren't history buffs, cuju was an ancient Chinese ball game that is often seen as a distant ancestor to the football we love today. ⚽️✨
Currently housed in the collection of the Henan Museum, this pillow is more than just a sports tribute; it is a glimpse into the lifestyle of the time. You might be wondering: "Wait, a ceramic pillow? Wouldn't that be super uncomfortable?" 💤
Actually, back in the Song Dynasty, these were the ultimate luxury! Before we had electric fans or air conditioning to survive the summer heat, ceramic pillows were the go-to for staying chill. Their hard, smooth surfaces provided neck support and, more importantly, kept the sleeper cool during those sticky nights. ❄️
It is pretty wild to think that while we are scrolling through sports highlights in 2026, people hundreds of years ago were dreaming of the game on their cooling ceramic headrests. Talk about a timeless passion for the sport! 💬🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
