A rare figure of a Hong merchant
- Painted clay, wood, bamboo, hairs, textile
Description
The figure made in a very realistic style, seated on a lacquered Chinese armchair. The carefully detailed head and hands are made of painted clay. The eyes and eyebrows also delicately painted, the hair in a long braid. The articulated body in wood and bamboo, dressed with a Qing dynasty official costume, the head covered with an official hat. A collection number on the base of the armchair.
The figure represents a member of the Cohong guild. They were Chinese merchants operating the import-export monopoly in Canton during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). They were in charge, by imperial edict, of the relations with the Westerners, for the trade of porcelain, tea, silk…
Bibliography
CROSSMAN Carl L. The decorative arts of the China trade. P. 319-321.
CONNER Patrick. The China trade. Fig. 63, p. 84 et p. 54-56.
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A rare figure of a Hong merchant
- Painted clay, wood, bamboo, hairs, textile
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