Christ Child, Saviour of the World

Philippines, Manila, mid-17th century
Ivory
Asian Civilisations Museum

Christ is depicted here as “Saviour of the World”. He makes the gesture of blessing with his right hand.

This sculpture was very likely made by Chinese ivory artists from Fujian who settled in Manila. Their work was highly prized and much of it was sent on Spanish galleons to Mexico, and then to the rest of Latin America and Spain. There is close attention to anatomical details like the folds of flesh associated with babies, and the deeply carved curls of hair.