[CHINESE FOLK ART]

[Chinese Doll].

(China and England). King's Messengers, S.P.G., circa 1905. Stock ID #210394

Small Chinese figure, 17 x 6 cms, padded silk brocade, paper, hair and watercolour, (the painted face a little scuffed), mounted onto stiff card and backed onto what appears to be the verso of a certificate or exercise book cover (trimmed and creased with a repaired tear and a few minor abrasions) printed with the text "King's Messengers, S.P.G./ Rugby Branch. / Passed Examination in Missionary Knowledge. Secretary...... Chaplain...... 19..." (all blank), the figure with a loop at the head for display or hanging, very good, clean condition.

The King's Messengers were the children's branch of a Church of England Missionary Society: S.P.G. ("The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts,"). Presumably the delicately made figure was constructed at a Society mission in China (S.P.G. sent missionaries to China in 1895) and at some point glued to the backing. A loop at the top suggests that the figure was intended to hang free. The doll-like figure represents an unusual example of folk art.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 210394.

Price: $225.00 AU

other currencies