Title
Pair of Nodding Magots
Creator
Date
19th century
Description
A pair of nodding magots figures (German, 19th century) produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Dresden, Germany. Composed of porcelain with polychrome enamel decoration, the pair depicts a male (.1) and female (.2) seated grinning figure with large earlobes and corpulent bellies dressed in floral printed robes. The figures are joined in a way that allows their heads, tongues, and hands to move.
These European made chinoiserie figures were meant to depict mortals and immortals from the Far East and were know interchangeably as ‘magots’ and ‘pagods.’ Their representations could be somewhat derisory and grotesque in form with exaggerated features. Pagods and magots enjoyed an immense popularity in France and other European countries during the 18th century, especially the 1740s and 1750s. Porcelain versions with nodding heads were made at Meissen beginning in the second half of the 18th century. This 19th century pair is based off those earlier models.
These European made chinoiserie figures were meant to depict mortals and immortals from the Far East and were know interchangeably as ‘magots’ and ‘pagods.’ Their representations could be somewhat derisory and grotesque in form with exaggerated features. Pagods and magots enjoyed an immense popularity in France and other European countries during the 18th century, especially the 1740s and 1750s. Porcelain versions with nodding heads were made at Meissen beginning in the second half of the 18th century. This 19th century pair is based off those earlier models.
Cultural Origin
German
Medium
porcelain
enamel
Collection
Source
Bequest of Mrs. Alletta Morris McBean.
Identifier
PSNC.8638.1 - .2
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.