Old Testament figures
The clothing and other attributes of these figures suggest that they are Old Testament personages, which are rarely depicted in Chinese art. The inscriptions alluding to the Ten Commandments on the tablets held by one of the figures (second to the right) imply that he is Moses; the crown and harp of another may identify him as David; and the remaining two are most likely prophets. Flat crossbars with holes on the bases of the figures indicate that they may once have been part of a larger ensemble that was secured onto a platform
Artwork Details
- 清 掐絲琺瑯舊約聖經四人物
- Title: Old Testament figures
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Cloisonné
- Dimensions: Overall (a David): H. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm); W. 3 5/16 in. (8.5 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Overall (b Moses): H. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm); W. 3 5/16 in. (8.5 cm); D. 3 5/16 in. (8.5 cm)
Overall (c young Isaiah): H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Overall (d old Isaiah): H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm) - Classification: Cloisonné
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Safra, 1997
- Object Number: 1997.115a–d
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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