清 黃楊木雕士人像|Figure of a gentleman

Unknown

18th–19th century · Boxwood, horsehair, and silk · Asian Art

This unusual sculpture portrays a gentleman wearing a long braid and an unadorned robe with a low-cut, folded collar, a Manchu style popular during the Qing dynasty. In addition to his imposing posture, the figure’s facial expression conveys a sense of self-confidence. Polished to evoke the texture of soft silk, his finely carved robe imparts realism to the sculpture. Although the figure’s identity is unrecorded, the sculpture is likely a portrait after a real person for a family memorial.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th–19th century

Medium

Boxwood, horsehair, and silk

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015