Foreign Envoy from an Imperial Tomb
Figure
1400 to 1600 (made)
1400 to 1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Along with the figure to the right, this larger-than-life sculpture once formed part of a Spirit Way, with 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 scroll, possibly with the text of an imperial edict.
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 an imperial tomb, Ming dynasty (1400 to 1600), Marble |
| Physical description | A large 3-dimensional standing figure carved in marble wearing a wide-brimmed hat and presenting a scroll. The figure has a long moustache and beard, and is wearing a long robe decorated in low relief with cloud designs, diamond-shaped patterns and, on the chest, cherry trees. It has an integral base decorated with a floral design. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Production type | Unique |
| Gallery label | Official from a Chinese Tomb
1400-1600 (Ming dynasty)
North China
Like the sculpture opposite, this imposing figure once formed part of a Spirit Way leading to a tomb of a prince or another member of the imperial clan. He is probably a foreign dignitary and is shown presenting a scroll, possibly with the text of an imperial edict. His robes are carefully carved to represent cloud-patterned silk and the square badge of rank on his back bears a scaly dragon. [56 words]
Marble
Museum no. A.2-1913
Given by The Art Fund |
| Credit line | Given by Art Fund |
| Object history | This object was once thought to be Korean. |
| Production | Reason For Production: Private |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Along with the figure to the right, this larger-than-life sculpture once formed part of a Spirit Way, with 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 scroll, possibly with the text of an imperial edict. |
| Associated object | A.1-1913 (Set) |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.2-1913 |
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| Record created | January 10, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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