A large Chinese export unfired-clay polychrome painted figure of a female deity
Canton, probably 2nd half 18th century
The figure is delicately sculpted and standing in an upright position on a wooden rectangular base. On the backside it bears an old label dating from circa 1900 inscribed J 43.
H. 39 x W. 14 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, the Hague
The figure was made to cater to the European taste for ‘chinoiserie’. The long sword attached to her belt, on which her left hand is resting, is unusual, and therefore this sculpture probably depicts a female Chinese warrior-deity. The intricately painted Chinese 'dragon robe' tells us that she is a divine female of stature. However, the more often depicted female Chinese courtiers didn’t carry swords.
The figure is delicately sculpted and standing in an upright position on a wooden rectangular base. On the backside it bears an old label dating from circa 1900 inscribed J 43.
H. 39 x W. 14 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, the Hague
The figure was made to cater to the European taste for ‘chinoiserie’. The long sword attached to her belt, on which her left hand is resting, is unusual, and therefore this sculpture probably depicts a female Chinese warrior-deity. The intricately painted Chinese 'dragon robe' tells us that she is a divine female of stature. However, the more often depicted female Chinese courtiers didn’t carry swords.
Part of the China collection.
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