Pair of Vintage Orange/Vermilion Chalkware Emperor and Empress Statues From the Personal Collection of Artist Tawny Chatmon

Details

Description

A pair of vintage chalkware figures that lived within the personal collection of artist Tawny Chatmon. While Chatmon's collection often … Read more A pair of vintage chalkware figures that lived within the personal collection of artist Tawny Chatmon. While Chatmon's collection often reflects her interest in African American culture, history, and art, symbolism, and visual storytelling, she was drawn to these figures primarily for their sculptural presence, and vibrant vermilion-orange color.

The pair depicts a robed gentleman and a female figure dressed in flowing garments adorned with finely molded details. The male figure features a long beard, layered robes, and decorative motifs throughout his attire, while the female figure wears an elaborate garment and holds an oval medallion containing a baby.

These figures are believed to be vintage chalkware and similar examples have been identified in online markets as Mandarin figures, Chinese court figures, and, in some instances, representations of Kuan Yin/Quan Yin. While these attributions cannot be confirmed, the figures are offered as decorative objects, and any cultural or religious identification should be considered speculative.

There are areas of light wear and small chips present in a few places (as pictured), consistent with vintage chalkware construction and years of display.

Collected and appreciated for their beauty, color, and character rather than any specific attribution, these figures offer a wonderful opportunity for collectors drawn to vintage decorative arts, Chinoiserie-inspired interiors, artist-owned objects, and boldly colored sculptural forms.

Condition: Vintage condition consistent with age. Surface wear, finish loss, scuffs, chips, hairline cracking, and other age-related imperfections are present. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Please note: The identification of these figures in this listing is based on stylistic comparison and marketplace references and is believed to be correct, but cannot be guaranteed. See less