Sculptural group; China, Canton, Qing Dynasty, c. 1840

Sculptural group; China, Canton, Qing Dynasty, c. 1840
Polychrome terracotta
With back box
Measurements: 23 cm. (male figure height); 20 cm. (female figure height)

Sculptural group in polychrome terracotta representing a costumbrist scene linked to the context of prostitution in the port city of Guangzhou, towards the end of the Qing dynasty. The set is composed of four elements: two human figures and two barrels that function as stools. Only the female figure can stand on one of them, while the male figure, although standing, is designed to stand next to the barrel, giving the impression that he has just stood up. This arrangement confers a remarkable dynamism and realism to the composition.