Figure of a European Merchant

Amoy Chinqua Chinese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 510

The figure is notable for the very high quality of the modeling of the face and wig, for the richly detailed costume, and especially for the impression it conveys of a specific individual. This is not a generic portrait of a European but rather a detailed likeness of a foreign merchant working in China, observed first hand. His affluence and status are conveyed by the fashionable clothes he wears, most specifically by the waistcoat painted to look like silk interwoven with gold metallic threads.

Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton
Figure of a European Merchant, Amoy Chinqua, Polychrome unfired clay and wood, Chinese, Canton

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.