Chinese Tea Server (“Chenoise Verseuse”)
Manufacturer
Lambert, Léopold
(French, 1854 - 1935)
Artist
Jumeau & Cie.
(French, 1843 - 1910)
Dateca. 1890
OriginFrance
MediumBisque head, glass eyes, mohair wig, silk clothing
Dimensions19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm)
ClassificationsAutomaton
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.215
Label TextLéopold Lambert, (France, 1854-1935, maker; Jumeau, maker of bisque head)
Automaton: Chinese Tea Server (“Chenoise Verseuse”)
Bisque head, glass eyes, mohair wig, silk clothing, about 1890
Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
The cultural climate in France in the 1880s delighted in the exotic. The opening of Japan to Western trade and its first participation in the 1867 Paris World’s Fair brought on a French fascination particularly with Japanese culture. However, it was a totalizing view of non-Europeans that was largely homogenized and undifferentiated.
The firm of Léopold Lambert created mechanical figures of exotic females that reflected this current zeitgeist, many depicting Asian women in traditional roles. This server of tea reflects a view of the Far East through Western eyes: her peaked wig style is Japanese, her clothing relates to Chinese outer garments, and her tea service is wholly Western European.
Marked on base.
Status
Not on view
