Foreign Envoy from an Imperial Tomb
Figure
1400 to 1600 (made)
1400 to 1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Like the sculpture to the left, this imposing figure once formed part of a Spirit Way leading to a tomb of a prince or another member of the imperial clan. When the figures arrived at the V&A they were described as Korean, since Korean noblemen wore similar wide-brimmed horsehair hats. However, the combination of Korean headwear with Chinese robes is not known elsewhere, so instead the official probably represents a generic foreign envoy and is shown presenting a casket that might be a container for a gift or document. His robes are carefully carved to represent cloud-patterned silk and the square badge of rank on his back bears a qilin.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Foreign Envoy from an Imperial Tomb (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | marble, carved |
| Brief description | Chinese, Sculpture, Official from a Chinese Tomb, Ming dynasty (1400 to 1600), Marble |
| Physical description | A large 3-dimensional standing figure carved in marble wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a casket. The brim of the hat has broken off, as has the figure's nose and parts of his fingers. His robe has long sleeves and is carved in relief with a cloud design, interspersed with the 'endless knot' design. Although the back of the sculpture is relatively flat, it is decorated with patterns, including tassels. The integral stand has various motifs carved into it, including conch shells. The back of his robe has a dragon design on. The integral stand is a complex design, and has six layers. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Production type | Unique |
| Gallery label | Official from a Chinese Tomb
1400-1600 (Ming dynasty)
North China
Along with the figure opposite, this larger-than-life sculpture once formed part of a Spirit Way - two rows of facing figures and animals leading to a tomb. When the figures arrived at the V&A they were described as Korean, since Korean noblemen wore similar wide-brimmed horsehair hats. However, the combination of Korean headwear with Chinese robes is not known elsewhere, so instead the official probably represents a generic foreign envoy. He is presenting a casket that might be a container for a gift or document. [84 words]
Marble
Museum no. A.1-1913
Given by The Art Fund |
| Credit line | Given by Art Fund |
| Object history | This object was once thought to be Korean. Historical significance: The carving is very fine, and the detail is exquisite, for example the dragon pattern on the back of the robe. The sleeves are wide as a gesture of a respect. There are the 8 Buddhist auspicious symbols in the fabric design, such as the endless knot design. |
| Production | Reason For Production: Private |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Like the sculpture to the left, this imposing figure once formed part of a Spirit Way leading to a tomb of a prince or another member of the imperial clan. When the figures arrived at the V&A they were described as Korean, since Korean noblemen wore similar wide-brimmed horsehair hats. However, the combination of Korean headwear with Chinese robes is not known elsewhere, so instead the official probably represents a generic foreign envoy and is shown presenting a casket that might be a container for a gift or document. His robes are carefully carved to represent cloud-patterned silk and the square badge of rank on his back bears a qilin. |
| Associated object | A.2-1913 (Set) |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.1-1913 |
About this object record
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| Record created | January 10, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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