late 1700s–early 1800s
Ivory with pigments
Overall: 4.4 x 3.8 cm (1 3/4 x 1 1/2 in.)
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1989.330
A servant carrying a qin, zither, accompanies two gentlemen admiring the trees.
In the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This ivory carved and painted to resemble a miniature garden seat illustrates the superb skills and the creative mind of the talented artisans who sought clients on a competitive market.
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