Ho Tam, Pillow with ten thousand dollar hell bank note (FC-021) (2025)

Ho Tam  
Pillow with ten thousand dollar hell bank note (FC-021) 
2025  
inkjet on glossy photo paper  
edition of 5  
22 x 17 inches
unframed
 
 
The ancient Chinese used to sleep on hard pillow made of porcelain, bamboo or wood. Ceramic pillows were used by the living, but were also buried in tombs for the next life, along with other items for daily use. 
 
Hell money is a form of joss paper printed to resemble legal tender bank notes. This faux money has been in use since at least the late 19th century and possibly much earlier. Early 20th century examples took the resemblance of minor commercial currency of the type issued by businesses across China until the mid-1940s. The notes are not an officially recognized currency or legal tender since their sole intended purpose is to be burnt as offerings to the deceased for use in afterlife.
 
Chinese attitude towards money has changed over the years. In the Mao era Chinese prided themselves on their frugality and desire to serve the people but today that sentiments seems like something from the distant past in fast-paced urban China. One Chinese man told the New York Times, “The things we care about most in China now are money, money, and money.” Another said, “It’s all money-grubbing. Many Chinese have lost their sense or morality and ethics.” A common joke says that when a Chinese man falls asleep he dreams only of money.