Chinoiserie: Otter
In the sophisticated trade port of Canton, China, the hulls of ships were emptied of Alaskan sea otter furs and filled with tea, silk and porcelain, feeding the thirst for a novel new drink and the “Oriental Craze” spreading through European tastes. Traders brought Chinese goods back to Alaska as well. Qing Dynasty coins, with holes in their centers, were revered by Tlingits, embellishing regalia to shimmer when danced, and lining armor in the hopes of stopping spears. In the later, Victorian-era manifestation of the Far East aesthetic, the crazy quilt was born.
Found oil painting on canvas, silk, polyester, flannel, imitation Qing Dynasty coins, embroidery thread, thread, land otter form, glass eyes, driftwood
