Figure thumbnail 1
Figure thumbnail 2
+4
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 136, The Curtain Foundation Gallery

Figure

ca. 1700 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This figure of a man in 18th century European dress is generally thought to be a Chinese depiction of Louix XIV, King of France. Similar porcelain figures were made in China and were probably intended for display on mantelpieces or brackets in western European interiors. Due to Chinese potter's unfamiliarity with European features this ceramic figure retains slightly Asian facial characteristics while his clothing appears caricatured. Despite his naively rendered form the figure was still considered an 'exotic' item and was very popular as a decorative piece in European homes.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Porcelain painted with overglaze enamels
Brief description
Figure of Louis XIV, porcelain painted with overglaze enamel colours; China, Jingdezhen, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, ca. 1700
Physical description
Chinese porcelain figure of a gentleman (Louis XIV) in 18th century European dress, decorated mainly with famille verte (green, yellow and black) enamel colours.
Dimensions
  • Height: 24.9cm
Styles
Credit line
Basil Ionides Bequest
Subjects depicted
Summary
This figure of a man in 18th century European dress is generally thought to be a Chinese depiction of Louix XIV, King of France. Similar porcelain figures were made in China and were probably intended for display on mantelpieces or brackets in western European interiors. Due to Chinese potter's unfamiliarity with European features this ceramic figure retains slightly Asian facial characteristics while his clothing appears caricatured. Despite his naively rendered form the figure was still considered an 'exotic' item and was very popular as a decorative piece in European homes.
Associated object
Bibliographic references
  • Kerr p.76, pl.105
  • Lu p.138
  • Chinese ceramic figures : catalogue of an exhibition held by the Oriental Ceramic Society from April 8th to June 21st, 1947, London : The Society, 1948 91
Collection
Accession number
C.109-1963

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJuly 15, 2002
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest