User:ThatFooMemo/Magot (figurine)

18th-century perfume-burner in the form of a magot

Two Chinese figurines called magots, inside the café Les Deux Magots in Paris

A magot is a seated oriental figurine, usually of porcelain or ivory, of a grotesque form; the name derives from the Barbary ape, also known as "magot"

Description

Magots, originally of Chinese origin, are typically crafted from Chinese white porcelain, have depictions of seated figures. The depictions of these figures varies across cultures and the time periods they were created in. They are known for their intricate design and the fine craftsmanship that goes into their creation.

Many variations of Magots can be found across both European and Chinese cultures. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European interest in Chinese white porcelain led to the importation and replication of Chinese Magots. These figurines were prized for their aesthetic beauty, and European artisans often sought to replicate the artistry found in the Chinese originals. As a result, Magots became not only a symbol of artistic appreciation but also a cultural bridge between the East and the West.

History

Porcelain, a key material in the creation of "Magots," is believed to have originated shortly before the beginning of the Song Dynasty in China. The production of porcelain marked a significant development in the history of ceramics and art.

Porcelain in China

The historical development of Chinese Porcelain can be categorized into four distinct periods. The first period, which predates any existing specimens, covers the period from the earliest discovery of porcelain to the commencement of the Sung Dynasty in AD 960. The second period extends from the beginning of the Sung Dynasty to the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (960-1367), during which porcelain lacked painted decoration, and all color was incorporated into the glaze. The third period corresponds to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1643), characterized by decorative techniques primarily involving under-glaze painting, as well as the introduction of colored glazes. The fourth period, starting at the end of the Ming Dynasty and extending to the present day, saw the refinement of decorative methods using over-glaze enamels (1644-1901).

Many variations of Magots can be found across both European and Chinese cultures. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European interest in Chinese white porcelain led to the importation of Chinese Magots in efforts to replicate and reproduce Chinese porcelain.

Porcelain in Europe

The introduction of Asian porcelain to Europe sparked interest and imitation. An artificial form of porcelain was first created in Europe under the patronage of the Medici in Florence towards the close of the 16th century. Subsequently, efforts to produce porcelain in Europe continued, with significant developments at locations such as Rouen and St Cloud. However, the production of true porcelain, distinct from earlier imitations, truly began with the establishment of the Dresden manufactory under the patronage of Augustus II in 1709. Prior to this, European potters in Delft, Nevers, and Rouen had crafted clever faience substitutes that closely imitated the external appearance of genuine Chinese porcelain.

Magots in China

Chinese Magots have emerged and spread throughout China and Europe across several centuries. They are believed to have originated during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and they were popularized during the cultural expansion of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

Artworks

This is a French imitation of a Chinese Magot.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Europeans demonstrated their fascination with Asian art. This figure was made in 1735 by Chantilly, a French ceramics factory, as it tried to replicate asian porcelain work. Although the European depictions were rarely based on firsthand knowledge and this work as primarily meant to be a decorative piece, it symbolically captures China's sophisticated understanding of astronomy during that period.

French Magot manufactured in the 1700s depicting Shoulao, the Daoist god of longevity.

The porcelain figure on display depicts Shoulao, the Daoist god of longevity, and is characteristic of the fascination Europeans had with Asian cultures during the 17th and 18th centuries. Shoulao, often shown as a smiling old man with an elongated bald head and a long beard, is a symbol of wisdom and long life. This particular representation of Shoulao holds a fan in his right hand and a curving staff that alludes to Daoist concepts of longevity. The Chantilly factory aimed to create an idealized image of the Far East rather than faithfully copying Asian models, leading to a blend of deities and Asian-inspired figures. In the case of the figure displayed, the distinctive feature is the use of unfired brown pigment for the head and arms, setting it apart from typical Chinese depictions of the deity.

Two nearly identical European magots manufactured in 1740.

The Chantilly porcelain manufactory in France crafted these artpieces, taking inspiration from Asian designs in both form and decoration. The vases feature seated figures in monk's robes, characterized by their smiling expressions and long earlobes. These figures represent the beloved Buddhist deity associated with good fortune and contentment, known as Budai (Put'ai) in China and Ho-tei in Japan. During the 1700s, Europeans referred to these figures as "magots," signifying their unique and exotic appearance in the Chinese or Japanese style, with various poses and expressions.

Collections

Over time, collectors of magots have generously shared their collections with museums around the world, making it possible for these intriguing figurines to be displayed and appreciated by the public. You can explore these collections in various museums, including:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) - New York City, USA
   • The Met has a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including large collections of European magots.
2. The British Museum - London, UK
   • Known for its extensive collection of global art and antiquities, the British Museum also holds an extensive collection of European porcelain figures.
3. Musée du Louvre - Paris, France
   • The Louvre has a remarkable collection of art and historical objects, and it's possible to find "magots" among its holdings.
4. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) - London, UK
   • The V&A has a diverse collection that includes decorative arts and ceramics where you might come across such figurines.
5. The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) - Beijing, China
   • This museum holds a vast collection of Chinese art, and contains examples of Chinese magots.

External Links

• [Link to the official website (if available)]
• [Additional relevant external links]