Figure of a Turkish merchant c. 1741 - 1749

Here we see a porcelain figure of a Turkish merchant, crafted by the Kaiserliche Porzellanmanufaktur. During its production, Europe's fascination with the "Orient" shaped the artistic imagination. The figure embodies an orientalist perspective, where the "exotic" East was often romanticized and fictionalized. The merchant, with his turban and elaborate attire, is both a figure of trade and a symbol of cultural difference. This representation prompts reflection on intercultural relations. How do we perceive and portray those different from ourselves? The figure invites a dialogue about the power dynamics involved in representation, challenging us to consider the narratives we construct about others and the emotional distance we create through such depictions.