Designed by Narcissa Niblack Thorne
American, 1882-1966
E-30: Chinese Interior, Traditional
INV-2019
Designed by Narcissa Niblack Thorne
American, 1882-1966c. 1937
E-30: Chinese Interior, Traditional
Designed by Narcissa Niblack Thorne American, 1882-1966 →miniaturethorne rooms
Date
c. 1937
Medium
Miniature room, mixed media
Dimensions
Scale 1 inch = 1 foot: 30.7 × 54.4 × 32.5 cm (12 1/16 × 21 7/16 × 12 13/16 in.); Interior, Scale 1 inch = 1 foot: 31.2 × 55.3 × 33.1 cm (12 1/4 × 21 3/4 × 13 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne
In order to create an authentic Chinese interior, Mrs. Thorne commissioned a craftsman in Hong Kong to carve the screens and fretwork for this room. Following a traditional Chinese floor plan, this miniature room is arranged around a central courtyard and aligned with astrological orientation. The symmetrical arrangement of space is intended to create a desired sense of balance, order, and peace. Mrs. Thorne was most likely exposed to Chinese styles through Asian goods that made their way to Europe during the early 17th century. During this time, the East India companies from Holland and England established a monopoly on trade in the region, bringing to Europe blue-and-white ceramics and many other wares.
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