Buddhist Ascetic 1730 - 1740

This porcelain sculpture depicts a seated Buddhist ascetic, created in Chantilly, France between 1730 and 1740. It's a fine example of the European fascination with Eastern cultures during the 18th century. The intricate details, including the colorful floral patterned pants and the realistic depiction of the ascetic's face, are characteristic of the high-quality craftsmanship of the Chantilly porcelain factory. The sculpture is currently part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.