Sitting boy

12th century

Not on view

This plump male child is a rare example of secular figural sculpture from the Song dynasty. It was made at a moment when Song sculpture reached a pinnacle of naturalism. Song historical texts and archaeological discoveries indicate that this type of pottery doll (nihai’er), elaborately dressed with real clothes and jewelry, was made for the Qixi Festival (the seventh day of the seventh lunar month) and kept in people’s homes to express the wish for many male children.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

宋泥孩兒
Title: Sitting boy
Period: Song dynasty (960–1279)
Date: 12th century
Culture: China
Medium: Earthenware with slip
Dimensions: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm); W. 8 ¾ in. (22.2 cm); D. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2024
Object Number: 2024.276
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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