An ovoid-shaped Chinese Ming period porcelain jar painted in rich blue around the sides with two five-clawed dragons among clouds and with rocks and waves below. Round the shoulder a stylised shou (long life character) seems to grow out of the lotus scrol

East Meets West

Extraordinary Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Royal Collection

      CHINA [ASIA]

      Clay figure of a standing Chinese man

      late eighteenth century

      RCIN 26084

      This lifelike figure of a court official has a surprising feature: the head is attached inside the body to a weighted rod which pivots, so that it appears to nod. Models like this were probably produced in South China and were generally made for export to Europe. They were among the most impressive pieces on display in the Gallery at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, where, as Prince Regent, George IV (1762–1830) created lavish Eastern-inspired interiors. The clay figures housed there represent a selection of character types of both sexes from the late Qing dynasty (1644–1911).

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