Figure
18th century (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 man 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.
This figure of a Chinese man 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.
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| Materials and techniques | Clay painted with unfired pigments |
| Brief description | Figure of a Chinese man with nodding head, painted clay, China, Qing dynasty, 18th century |
| Physical description | Standing figure of a man, facing front, wearing a long blue robe buttoned across the chest and with white cuffs; the right hand is across the chest as if holding an object now missing, the left hand at the side holding what may be a fruit. He also wears heavy black and white shoes and a tight-fitting black cap, and 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 |
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| Styles | |
| Gallery label |
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| 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 man 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.28:1,2-1970 |
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| Record created | October 2, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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