COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MIA_.93.32a-d
AMICA Library Year:
2000
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Name:
Unknown
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Role:
artist
Creator Name-CRT:
artist unknown
Title:
Imperial Throne
View:
Front
Creation Date:
early 18th century
Creation Start Date:
1700
Creation End Date:
1733
Materials and Techniques:
softwood and polycromed lacquer
Classification Term:
Furniture
Dimensions:
H.49-1/4 x W.64-1/2 x D.41-3/4 in.
Component Measured:
overall
Measurement Unit:
in
AMICA Contributor:
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number:
93.32a-d
Credit Line:
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
Context:
Made during the Ch'ien-lung period (1736-95), this rare piece of court furniture is one of the larger and more fully decorated thrones outside of China. Few lacquered thrones have the dragons and celestial landscape found here painted in gold lacquer across the seat. The composition and iconography of the five-clawed imperial dragons cavorting amongst clouds and flaming pearls is similar to the decoration of court robes and other official court textiles of the period. The cabriole legs, aprons and back and side panels are all carved in relief with scrolls and lacquer in green, red and gold. The panels of the removable back and side rails are decorated with stylized dragons and shou medallions emblematic of imperial rule and long life.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MIA_.5669c.tif
Link To Source
