China Mandarin Porcelain Statuette

CHINA. Standing mandarin, polychrome enameled porcelain statue. He wears the traditional costume in bright colors, yellow, green, and red, and the chaoguan, the official Mandarin court hat. He also wears the chaozhu, a large mandarin necklace, made up of one hundred and eight wooden beads. The upturned edge of the chaoguan is made of black velvet with a crown of red silk. The point resembles a lotus flower. This type of ceremonial or court costume is that of first-rate magistrates, ministers of state, advisors and great officers, viceroys, governors, general treasurers... His hands are hidden by the long sleeves of his dress ending in horseshoe shape. The ruyi scepter 如意 is a scholarly object which – since the Qing dynasty – has served as an auspicious gift. Height: 3O cm Good condition, 20th century Signature / stamp below. Mandarin" is a Western term which designates a senior official, who is literate and educated. In China for more than 1300 years (between the years 600 and 1905) the high administration was held by the famous caste of mandarins. In order to be able to access This high administration, the mandarins had to pass numerous competitive exams to access civil and military positions."