Eunuch, ancient Chinese sculpture homologated to the institution of category.

Eunuch, ancient Chinese sculpture from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Sculpture homologated to the personal recognition, coded for its own category. Eunuchs were castrated by their own families to secure them a future at the Emperor's court. It was a category that already existed from the 3rd century BC, Han Dynasty, until 1911, the founding of the Republic of China. Their role at court was almost always that of coexisting in servitude within the Imperial Harem, but often also of high positions of commanding and fiduciary hierarchies. Height 10.9 cm. 16th century.