Chinese man in an arbor 1730 - 1740

This porcelain sculpture, created by the Meissen Manufactory in the early 18th century, depicts a Chinese man seated within an elaborately sculpted floral arbor. The figure is dressed in a turquoise robe adorned with colorful floral motifs, while the surrounding arbor is teeming with vibrant pink, orange, and green blooms. This piece exemplifies the fascination with Chinese aesthetics and the "chinoiserie" style popular in Europe during this period, where European artists sought to emulate the intricate designs and motifs found in East Asian art. Now residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this sculpture is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Meissen Manufactory and the enduring allure of East Asian art.