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Figure of a Chinese man
Made by: Chantilly Manufactory (France)
French
1725–35
Object Place: France
Medium/Technique
Soft-paste porcelain
Dimensions
Height: 27.9 cm (11 in.)
Credit Line
Kiyi and Edward M. Pflueger Collection. Bequest of Edward M. Pflueger and Gift of Kiyi Powers Pflueger
Accession Number2006.896
CollectionsEurope
The head of this figure is a separate piece attached to the body with pins so that it "nods" when set in motion. The peculiar modeling of the figure, its odd proportions, and the flawed surface all reflect the experimental nature of early European porcelain. This figure, one of only three known, was probably inspired by a lost Chinese original.
DescriptionWhite, nodding figure, standing beside a bowl formed of rockwork, his detachable head with turban-like top-knot and his flowing robes with cold-painted decoration in iron-red and traces of blue and green.
Marks
raised hunting horn mark at back
ProvenanceBefore 1984, private collection, Switzerland. July 2, 1984, anonymous sale, Christie, Manson and Woods, lot 22, to Edward M. Pflueger (b. 1905 - d. 1997) and Kiyi Powers Pflueger (b. 1915 - d. 2008), New York; 2006, bequest of Edward M. Pflueger and gift of Kiyi Powers Pflueger to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 26, 2006)