Public domain

Nodding Head Figure

anonymous · 1804 - 1808 · carpentry; polychromy; molding; lead (metal); iron (metal); wood (plant material); hair; loam; porcelain

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Chinese clay figures, ca. 1805. Present of the Chinese Emperor to the visiting Dutch official A.H. van Limburg Stirum Brouwer, from 1804 until 1808 member of the Dutch council which ruled the Asian colonies. The figures are made of painted clay and have nodding heads. They depict a Chinese mandarin and his wife. His hair and the dragon on his chest show his high rank. The feet of the woman have been tied off to fit in very small shoes, then a token of female beauty in China.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description

Subjects

doll knikpop A.H. van Limburg Brouwer China

Credit lineNodding head figure. 1804 - 1808. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

Open in Explore View at source