Standing Figure of a Chinese Imperial Official or Scholar
Sculpture, decorative figure • Unknown Chinese workshop; mass-produced artisan work typical of export wares from the 1960s-1980s.
Style & Movement
Traditional Chinese Revival / Export Art
Medium & Technique
Bone or composite material segments over a wooden or clay core, with hand-etched ink-filled detailing and polychrome accents on the face and beard.
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (Modern reproduction)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 36-40 inches in height; vertical monumental format.
Subject Description
A bearded male figure in the guise of a Qing Dynasty official, wearing a traditional court hat and robes adorned with dragon and cloud motifs. He holds prayer beads (mala) in one hand and likely a scroll or ceremonial object in the other. The iconography suggests status and longevity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible loss of material near the base, and multiple vertical cracks (desiccation) are present throughout the segmented panels.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via an estate sale or antique importer during the late 20th century. No specific labels or marks of high-status provenance are visible.
Art Historical Significance
Low art historical significance. This is a decorative 'export style' piece created for the Western market to emulate ancient ivory carvings. It serves as a study in 20th-century artisanal replication techniques using bone tesserae.
Notable Features
The piece is constructed using an 'architectural' method where small flat bone plates are glued onto a core rather than being carved from a single piece, which is a hallmark of mid-century decorative reproductions.
Condition Issues
Heavy vertical cracking due to humidity fluctuations; missing veneer sections around the circular base; fading of original ink patterns in high-touch areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain a stable relative humidity (45-55%) to prevent further shrinking/cracking of the bone panels. Missing base segments could be professionally filled with epoxy or matched bone veneer.