In this thesis I explore a type of nineteenth century Chinese-made porcelain decorated with human figures and related texts. I look for possible explanations for the fact that this group has...Show moreIn this thesis I explore a type of nineteenth century Chinese-made porcelain decorated with human figures and related texts. I look for possible explanations for the fact that this group has received little attention. I explore the source of the illustrations from a seventeenth century Chinese wood-block printed book showing forty iconic historical figures. My analysis and comparison of the source of the illustrations with the features of the decorated porcelain suggest that the decorations are organized in a consistent and rational way. The visual impact of the icons of exemplary figures on the porcelain becomes more information than decoration.Show less
