Instrument chinois dont on ignore le nom, tir[…] du duc de chaulnes before 1828

This line drawing of an unknown Chinese instrument was made by Pierre Félix van Doren, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Executed in ink on paper, this artwork captures the form of a lute-like instrument adorned with ribbons and decorative motifs. Van Doren's choice of medium emphasizes the inherent qualities of line and form. The precision of the ink lines and the smooth surface of the paper allows for an intimate portrayal of the instrument's design. This drawing is most likely a result of the European's fascination with exotic cultures and goods. The context of colonialism and global exchange is important to understand how Chinese musical instruments appeared in the collection of a French Duke, and how they became a subject of artistic study. The meticulous drawing style reflects an interest in cataloging and documenting foreign objects. But in this process, van Doren also elevates a functional object to a status of art, encouraging us to appreciate its cultural significance.