Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket The piece measures 31"x31" and

The piece measures 31"x31" and is in very good condition

but became famous--and more complicated--when an extraordinary series of boxes with the motif were commissioned in 1760 by or for the Qianlong emperor

I got my passion for it from her

--on the bottom in a calligraphic manner that I have not been able to decipher

Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket The piece measures 31"x31" andThere are a fair number of mid century "nail art" tabletop sculptures out there, some abstract, some figurative; and while this little skier is not especially unique, I really like it. At this point, there is a fair amount of rusting to the metal, and some aging to the wooden base as well, which I think contribute to a sense of this as a committed and intrepid athlete! It's great from every angle, too, making me think it might land happiest on a desk,