A. Giannelli - Sculpture, Imperatori Cina - 33 cm - Silverplated

Splendid sculptures crafted by the famous Italian sculptor Arnaldo Giannelli, an Italian sculptor and craftsman from Volterra, Tuscany, who passed away in 2005.
The sculptures are a striking 33 cm tall, imparting a unique sense of momentum and elegance to adorn your home, made with a silver-plated backing in 925 sterling silver, carved in minute detail by the artist.
The Work portrays two Emperors (emperor and empress) of China in traditional dress, with their hands resting on their belly and the palms facing outward, not by chance but with a great meaning that we will explain.

The artist:
Born in Volterra in 1907, he studied at the Royal School of Art of the city, specializing in sculpture and traditional stone-working techniques.
In 1944 he founded his own studio in Volterra (from which the Egregia company of A. Giannelli S.r.l. later emerged), creating artworks, busts and decorative objects finished by hand; he was named Knight of the Republic in 1970.

The work and its meaning:
The symbolism of benevolence and transparency. In Asian visual culture (influenced also by Buddhist and imperial gesturing), showing open palms outward communicates the absence of hidden weapons, peace, openness and hospitality towards subjects or guests. It is a regal gesture that well expresses benevolence and protection, indicating that the dignitaries dispense favors or blessings.

The hats worn by the two figures strictly define their roles and dynastic connection:
• The female statue (the Empress): Wears an elaborate multi-level pagoda-style headdress, reminiscent of ceremonial phoenix crowns (Fengguan). This multi-tiered structure symbolizes spiritual ascent and closeness to Heaven. Historically, these crowns enclosed a complex symbolism related to fertility, the stability of the court, and the Empress’s role as the “mother of the nation.”
• The male statue (the Emperor): Wears the Mianguan, a ceremonial cylindrical or flared hat. In the court’s original crowns, this structure supported a rectangular tablet from which strands of pearls (liu) hung in front of the eyes. The philosophical meaning was profound: it served to partially shield the sovereign’s sight, reminding him symbolically not to look at what is improper, to ignore earthly distractions, and to judge with absolute rectitude and objectivity.
The dense geometric and floral decorations covering the garments echo the tradition of the Twelve Imperial Ornaments (Shier Zhang), the symbols that for millennia decorated exclusively the robes of the Chinese emperors’ dragon:
• Dragons and phoenix: Even though stylized in metalwork, the sinuous motifs on the chest and along the hips recall the dragon (symbol of strength and the emperor’s absolute authority) and the phoenix (symbol of grace, peace, and the Empress’s purity). Together, they represent the perfect cosmic harmony between Yin and Yang.
• Swirls and mountains: The curvilinear motifs and lines rising upward along the lower part of the garment (near the base) imitate the “sacred mountains” and the waves of the sea. This decoration indicated the kingdom’s stability and the ruler’s ability to govern the land firmly and unmovably.
• Continuous geometric motifs: The guilloche and knots engraved on the collars and cuffs are variations of the Shou symbol (longevity) or the “endless knot,” a wish for eternal prosperity and dynastic continuity.

A unique work for enthusiasts and collectors, but also for anyone seeking to add a touch of elegance to their home

The photos are an integral part of the description.

The object will be packed with the utmost care and professionalism to ensure a safe delivery.