A CHINESE ROBIN'S EGG GLAZED AND GILDED FIGURE OF A GENERAL QING DYNASTY Standing

A CHINESE ROBIN'S EGG GLAZED AND GILDED FIGURE OF A GENERAL

QING DYNASTY

Standing, wearing a full ceremonial suit of armour and boots, with his hands held in front of his body with one on top of the other, the face and palms gilded imitating gilt-bronze, the armour and helmet picked out in turquoise and coloured enamels, 22.5cm.

Provenance: an English private collection, Hampshire, acquired in the early 20th century.

It has been suggested that these figures are based on bronze prototypes produced during the Yongle and Xuande periods as diplomatic gifts to Tibetan leaders.