Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket the National Museum in Stockholm

the National Museum in Stockholm

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

and the structure of the super tight fitting lid

I'd love to see it filled with white lilies but think it would also be great as a planter for something green

which I believe is probably the context in which it was made

Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket the National Museum in StockholmThere 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,