19th C SCALED MODEL OF A CHINESE WORKSHOP WITH 17 POLYCHROMES TERRACOTTA FIGURES 1880 - 1900

Unknown artist

80 ⨯ 129 ⨯ 81 cm
ConditionVery good
€ 85.000

Spectandum Gallery

• About the artwork
  This diorama of an artisanal workshop groups 17 Chinese polychromed-decorated nodding head figures dated from the 19th C. Thirteen have nodding heads and are portraits of individuals, and some served as generalized representations of their trade class and occupation. Terracotta figures became popular as objects of curiosity that communicated the costumes and customs of Chinese culture. These figures were usually constructed by moulding clay and were then allowed to air dry and covered in a fine paper. Gesso was applied and the figures were decorated with a water-based gouache. Since these objects were not glazed nor fired in a kiln and are therefore more fragile, they experienced greater wear over time. Although the specific manufacturers and dates of such figures are comparatively rarely recorded, a documented pair of more elaborated nodding-head figures dating to 1803 'copied from the life and brought from Canton’, are in the collection at the Peabody Museum in Salem, Massachusetts (C.L. Crossman, The China Trade, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1991, p.317, col.pl. 112). Similarly, a group of nodding-head figures were sold from the collection of David Style, Esq., Christie's house sale, Wateringbury Place, Maidstone, Kent, 31 May-2 June 1978, lots 200-204.This diorama was made for an international European exhibition; most probably “Kina I Tivoli” in the Tivoli gardens in Kopenhagen-Denmark 1902.We acquired them from a Danish private collection
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

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