Artwork Page for Miniature Garden Seat

Details / Information for Miniature Garden Seat

Miniature Garden Seat

小型象牙人物紋繡墩

late 1700s–early 1800s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong mark and reign

(1736-95)
Medium
ivory with pigments
Measurements
Overall: 4.4 x 3.8 cm (1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1989.330
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

A servant carrying a qin, zither, accompanies two gentlemen admiring the trees.

Description

In the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This ivory carved and painted to resemble a miniature garden seat illustrates the superb skills and the creative mind of the talented artisans who sought clients on a competitive market.
A barrel-shaped ivory miniature garden seat features a wide red band with white scrolling flowers. A black-bordered central panel depicts a reclining figure on a couch under flowering trees, flanked by two attendants. Above and below run detailed black and white floral bands, while the flat circular lid mirrors these scrolling motifs. These intricate patterns emphasize the vessel's smooth, rounded body and highlight the fine details of the scene.

Miniature Garden Seat

late 1700s–early 1800s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong mark and reign (1736-95)

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