Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 137, The Curtain Foundation Gallery

Figure

ca. 1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Figures portraying Chinese people were popular export items for the European market during the 18th and 19th centuries, and were used to decorate the interior of private houses. European clients viewed them as interesting and 'exotic' representations, as they portrayed unfamiliar face features and fashion styles.

This figure of a Chinese woman is made in clay and decorated with unfired pigments; the loose head is fixed on a metal pin inside, so that it could nod and move when shaken.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Figure (Body)
  • Figure (Head)
Materials and techniques
Clay painted with unfired pigments
Brief description
Figure of a Chinese woman with nodding head, painted clay, China, Qing dynasty, ca. 1800
Physical description
Standing figure of a woman, facing front, wearing a long overcoat in pale green and a white vest, both with floral designs on the front and hemmed in black; one shoe is protruding and the left hand holds the end of a scarf in front of the body. The figure stands on a low base. The loose head and neck are fixed on a metal pin inside so as to nod when shaken; the figure is hollow and the pigments are unfired.
Dimensions
  • Height: 24.3cm
Styles
Gallery label
Pair of figures with nodding heads Painted clay About 1800(1987)
Subjects depicted
Summary
Figures portraying Chinese people were popular export items for the European market during the 18th and 19th centuries, and were used to decorate the interior of private houses. European clients viewed them as interesting and 'exotic' representations, as they portrayed unfamiliar face features and fashion styles.

This figure of a Chinese woman is made in clay and decorated with unfired pigments; the loose head is fixed on a metal pin inside, so that it could nod and move when shaken.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
FE.27:1,2-1970

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Record createdOctober 2, 2008
Record URL
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