Model: Chinese Criminal Court Room

2006.12.0019

Thumbnail of Model: Chinese Criminal Court Room (2006.12.0019)

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification Model: Chinese Criminal Court Room   (2006.12.0019)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Documentary Artifacts
  4. :
  5. Other Documents
Artist/Maker None
Geographic Location
Period/Date Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Early to mid - 19th Century
Culture Chinese

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 18 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 15.8 cm
Dimension 3 (Height) 7 cm
Weight 232 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Plant--Wood, Pigment--Stain
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Staining
Munsell Color Information N/A

Research Remarks

Published Description N/A
Description

"An early to mid 19th century, Qing dynasty China Trade wood model of a Chinese criminal court room, 6 3/8” x 7”. The model has seven finely detailed figures, a desk carved to show a cloth draped across its front, with various accouterments on the top, and a judge’s chair behind in which he sits. The figures have finely detailed garments, some with hats, others with restraints, all looking as if making an important decision. Such models, whether the interior of a shop, home, government office, etc., are very rare, and were often the subjects of Chinese paintings produced in Canton for the export market. Wood models such as this were likely produced as souvenirs for Westerners." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 08/29/2006

Comparanda

Christie’s, London, The China Trade Sale, 4/7/1997, lot #152; A rare export boxwood model of a Chinese Medicine Shop, early/mid 19th century, probably Cantonese workmanship, two storied beneath a gabled roof, the ground floor open at the front beneath and between shop signs to reveal two figures standing behind an L-shaped counter with two figures seated at a table behind them with a pipe and various objects before shelves laden with variously shaped tea-caddies, vessels and joss-sticks, two further figures standing on the public side of the shop amidst chairs and a table supporting a plant, a figure behind them in the archway leading to the rear of the building with a table and teapot, the upper floor with reticulated front shutters, glass skylights and side windows containing two figures and a table supporting a large book, the walls decorated with paintings and calligraphy. Minor losses 13 in. (33 cm).

Bibliography N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No
Reproduction Information N/A

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