Ancient craftspeople would often incorporate motifs like mountains, rivers, flowers and animals, or inscriptions of poems, literary passages or proverbs, when making everyday items.

As such, some pillows carry verses like, "your descendants have their own good fortune; do not work as horses and cattle for them", or portray scenes of lotus ponds with green birds, eagles catching rabbits, or children at play.

"Ancient people's harmonious relationships with nature is displayed within this small realm — a pillow," she says.

There are a few theories as to why ancient pillows are hard, rather than soft. One idea is that a gentleman's virtue was likened to jade and, as such, should be of a similar feel. Another is that hard pillows better support the neck, stabilize the head and improve blood circulation in the eyes and consequently improve vision.

Also, ceramic pillows are cooler and can help lower body temperatures, which is refreshing in the summer heat.