Set of scholar's objects
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.This set of writing implements originally belonged to the British statesman Sir George Thomas Staunton, who had exceptional knowledge of Chinese and worked in Canton from 1798 to 1816. It features three seals bearing Chinese characters in seal script transliterating Staunton’s nationality, title, and name: “England” (Yingjili), “Second Baronet” (Shixi Nanjue), and “Seal of Staunton” (Sidangdong yin). This set exemplifies an unusual form of bronze patronage: a commission by or for a foreigner living in China.
Artwork Details
- 清 石叟款斯當東男爵自用文具一組
- Title: Set of scholar's objects
- Artist: Attributed to Shisou (Chinese, active 18th–19th century)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: early 19th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy, silver wire inlay
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Victoria and Albert Museum
- Rights and Reproduction: Photograph © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art