Figure of a gentleman

Figure of a gentleman

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This unusual sculpture portrays a gentleman wearing a long braid and an unadorned robe with a low-cut, folded collar, a Manchu style popular during the Qing dynasty. In addition to his imposing posture, the figure’s facial expression conveys a sense of self-confidence. Polished to evoke the texture of soft silk, his finely carved robe imparts realism to the sculpture. Although the figure’s identity is unrecorded, the sculpture is likely a portrait after a real person for a family memorial.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.