High dignitary. China, 19th century. Polychrome terracotta. Wooden base. It has faults. The head has

High dignitary. China, 19th century.
Polychrome terracotta.
Wooden base.
It has faults. The head has been glued.
Measurements: 29 x 22 x 19 cm.
Seated figure representing a Chinese dignitary. The sculpture has been worked in a rounded form and its style reflects the artistic tradition of the Ming Dynasty. Around the torso, the robe is incised with fine brocade. The fabric clings to the body, highlighting the belly, whose roundness is a symbol of prosperity. Indeed, the generous belly and elongated earlobes symbolise happiness and wisdom respectively, both in the representation of divinities and in the characterisation of aristocrats and emperors.