Chinese Emperor in Ivory. Profusely Hand Carved. XIX Century.

Elegant hand-carved ox bone figure, made in China in the 19th century. It is a beautiful antique and also a work of art because of the beautiful carving that covers it. The figure depicts a high Chinese dignitary, maybe an emperor, dressed in luxurious traditional clothes and sitting in a wonderful throne which is completely carved with animal, geometrical and vegetal designs. The figures eyes, beard, hair and hat have been also colored with sleek strokes of black paint in order to highlight them and make the sculpture more expressive. The man is wearing some kind of robe or armour full of nice carved motives which seem to depict waves, clouds and sunrays, and which are accompanied by abstract designs. He is also wearing a long necklace made of big beads finished with a ball. The dignitary is holding the necklace in his right hand, while his left hand is resting on his knee. As well as the clothing, the character is wearing a remarkable traditional Chinese hat crowned by a pagoda-shaped trim. His facial expression is quiet and kind, and he provides confidence and wisdom. The throne the man is sitting on, and which is a big part of the figure, is highly remarkable. Its surface is completely carved with animal and vegetal motives. The seat shows some mythological animals and the legs are claws. These legs are standing on a round base, also carved. The back is oval-shaped and shows some carved designs which remind us of the curved branches of a tree, but there are also some mythological beings which look like fish or dragons. From the back we can see four animal heads coming out, maybe dragons, which surround the figure. Overall, this is a wonderfully carved and very antique item, which will bring its beauty and distinction to the decoration of any showcase or room. Measurements: 70 mm width x 170 mm height.