Kneeling Boy, Fragment
Unknown Artist
1500s
Medium
ivory
Dimensions
h. 11 cm
Classification
Ivory
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin
Accession Number
1989.329
About this artwork
In the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This ivory illustrates the superb carving skills and the creative mind of the skilled artisan who sought clients on a competitive market.