Description:
The Parian section of Manila, in the Philippines, was the Spanish crown's most important manufacturing and commercial center in Asia. Artisans from the Philippines, China, Japan, and other nations contributed to the production of sumptuary objects destined for American and Iberian markets, working under the supervision of royal employees, clergymen, and Spanish merchants. The elaboration of religious sculptures in polychromed ivory was one of the most renowned specialties of this sector. While the figures were adapted to the traditional conventions of Christian art, the physiognomy of the characters-who bear Asian features-along with the sculptural treatment of the pieces, are more in line with Oriental artistic canons. The pedestal, made of gilt wood and mirrors, is an example of the Mexican production of the same era.