Figure of a seated Chinese man 1755 - 1765

This is a porcelain figure of a seated Chinese man, made by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory sometime after 1747. During the 18th century, European art often depicted stereotyped images of non-Europeans. This figure reflects the exoticism and fascination with the "Orient" that was fashionable among the European elite. It’s important to consider how cultural exchange, or the lack thereof, shapes identity and perception. Figures like these, made for European consumers, often perpetuated inaccurate and romanticized views of Chinese culture. The figure is not just an aesthetic object but a symbol of cultural power dynamics. Consider the emotional impact of such representations. How might this figure be viewed by someone of Chinese descent, encountering it today? How does this porcelain figure shape or reflect societal issues while referencing the emotional and personal dimensions of the piece?