Page 215 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-598 (C-449) 1942.9.593-594 (C-444-445)
Dancing Woman Pair of Young Women

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722) Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with famille verte enamels on the biscuit, Porcelain with famille verte enamels on the biscuit,
3
29.0 X10.2X 6.1 (ll^i6X4X2 /8) 1942.9.593:23.8 (9%)
Widener Collection 1942.9.594: 24.1 (9 Vi)
Widener Collection
TECHNICAL NOTES
The pedestal is hollow, with a rectangular hole at the bottom of TECHNICAL NOTES
the base, which is unglazed and has a fabric impression. Three The similarity in modeling suggests that the two figures were
sides of the base are decorated with a textile diaper pattern in made from the same mold. The bases of both are flat and
yellow and dark green enamels; the back is covered with a col- unglazed and reveal clear traces of bivalve mold joins. The
orless matte enamel. The right arm of the figure is a replace- heads of both figures have been broken off, reattached, and
ment. There is also some repair on the left side of the neck. repainted. The head of the rodent on the sleeve of 1942.9.594
has also been repaired. There is a crack in the sash emerging
PROVENANCE from the left sleeve of 1942.9.593.
Sir William Bennett [1852-1931]. (Gorer, London); sold 1910
to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, PROVENANCE
Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by (Frank Partridge and Sons, London); sold 1912 to Peter A. B.
gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheri-
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. tance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power
of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
HE DANCER STANDS on a rectangular pedestal and
Tholds a folded fan in her right hand. Her hair is tied HESE STANDING YOUNG WOMEN are dressed in informal
in a high chignon. Narrow lines have been drawn to Trobes decorated in famille verte enamels with floral
accentuate the eyes and eyebrows. Her outer coat is dec- sprays. The enamel colors include aubergine, yellow, red,
orated with plum blossoms, in white on a light green and three shades of green. The women wear flat-topped
ground; the undercoats are also decorated with floral hats with medallions. Their ears are pierced and may
motifs. The shoes are extremely narrow, suggesting have originally had earrings. Their eyes and eyebrows are
bound feet. The other enamels employed are yellow, dark detailed in black. Both women hold small rodents on
green, black, and blue. Atop the pedestal is a mushroom, their sleeves, possibly squirrels.
perhaps the auspicious Hngzhi fungus. SL
SL

REFERENCES
1910 Gorer: 6, no. 25.
1947 Christensen: 20.

following page: Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722),
Pair of Young Women, 1942.9.593-594

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