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Chinese musicians

Modeler Joseph Willems Flemish
ca. 1755
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 512
This group of Chinese musicians reflects the continued popularity of chinoiserie, the depiction of fanciful figures and landscapes from an imagined and exotic East. The large scale of the figures, the complexity of their poses, and the high quality of the painted decoration make this group one of the most significant and ambitious pieces of English 18th century porcelain.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chinese musicians
  • Factory: Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (British, 1745–1784, Red Anchor Period, ca. 1753–58)
  • Modeler: Joseph Willems (Flemish, 1716–1766)
  • Date: ca. 1755
  • Culture: British, Chelsea
  • Medium: Soft-paste porcelain
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 14 1/2 × 14 1/2 × 14 5/8 in., 30.2 lb. (36.8 × 36.8 × 37.1 cm, 13.7 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Porcelain
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.101.474
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Audio

Cover Image for 2139. Chinese Musicians, Part 1

2139. Chinese Musicians, Part 1

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