figure BM-1963-0422.10

Period:Qing dynasty Production date:1736-1750 (circa)
Materials:porcelain
Technique:glazed, painted,
Subjects:european
Dimensions:Height: 44 centimetres Width: 270 millimetres Depth: 165 millimetres

Description:
‘Famille rose’ figure of a European lady. The lady is modelled in an agitated pose, as if dancing, with her arms wide apart and her clothes swirling. She is characterized as a Western lady by her long blonde hair, which falls in loose strands onto her shoulders, is piled up under an unusual headdress in form of a green headband with tall red crown, and is fastened at the back with an ornament with long pendant pearl strings. She is wearing a pleated red skirt with golden cloud pattern, a yellow blouse with a brooch at the collar and a pearl string round the waist, and an undergarment with triple lace collar.
IMG


Comments:Harrison-Hall and Krahl 1994:This fashionably attired European lady is difficult to interpret. Like the companion figure, the Jewish lady of BM 1963.0422.11, this figure may have been modelled after a costume print; but while the Jewish lady appears to be a realistic representation of a particular nationality, the present figure looks more like an idealized, romantic image of a Western lady, perhaps depicting a costumed dancer in a theatrical performance. (changed as previously the Jewish lady was thought to be Dutch)