A RARE PAIR OF MANNEQUIN FIGURES

19TH CENTURY

Details

A RARE PAIR OF MANNEQUIN FIGURES
19TH CENTURY
A Mandarin and his wife, each formed of finely carved, hinged bamboo sections, the faces further embellished, he affixed with a black horsehair pigtail, a three-character inscription inside his removable hat reading "Imperially Bestowed Golden Crown" and on his back in further black characters is his name, town and the cyclical date Yi Hai Sui, likely for 1815 or 1875, on her is inscribed her name (Ma Xin Zhen) and Xiao Qi for little (secondary) wife
14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm.) high (3)

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

These very unusual figures may have been used, as their European carved wood counterparts were, as artist's models, although the inscriptions may indicate that they actually served as portraits of a specific couple.

More from Chinese Export Art

View All