Figures of a Mongolian Man and Woman 1750 - 1754

These porcelain figures of a Mongolian man and woman were produced by the Bow Porcelain Factory in the mid-18th century. The exoticism of the ‘Orient’ was fashionable at the time, and these busts display a romanticized vision of Mongolian attire. Note the elaborate headwear and decorative clothing. Consider the plumes atop their heads. Feathers have long been symbols of power, divinity, and status across various cultures. In ancient Egypt, they adorned deities, and in many indigenous societies, they signified a connection to the spirit world. Yet, here, they are repurposed within a European context, transformed into mere decorative elements, reflecting Europe’s fascination with—and appropriation of—foreign cultures. The allure of the exotic is a recurring motif in art history, revealing our collective yearning for the ‘other.’ This yearning can be traced through history, resurfacing in different forms as societies grapple with cultural exchange and the mysteries of the unknown. What subconscious desires are projected onto these distant lands and people? This image engages us on a level of curiosity and wonder, a powerful force that drives us to explore the unknown.