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Created in 2018 by contemporary artist Isabella Chen, "Camelia's Grace" tells the story of her grandmother, Rose Chen, who was both a traditional porcelain artist and a secret tattoo artist in 1940s Shanghai. During a time when tattoo artistry was considered taboo, especially for women, Rose worked in a prestigious porcelain factory by day while discretely creating beautiful floral tattoos for members of the city's underground art community by night. The bust is modeled after a photograph of Rose in her youth, but with a significant artistic liberty—Isabella added the camelia tattoos that her grandmother always wanted but never dared to wear herself. The flowers represent not only Rose's dual artistic life but also her resilience; camelias continue to bloom in winter, just as Rose continued her art despite societal restrictions.

Camelia's Grace

Natasha

Camelia's Grace is an elegant porcelain bust depicting a young woman with a striking blend of classical and contemporary elements. The sculpture stands approximately 16 inches tall on a turned wooden base with bronze accents. The subject's face bears refined features with high cheekbones, full lips curved in a subtle smile, and eyes that convey both confidence and serenity. Her hair falls in soft, perfectly rendered waves that frame her face and shoulders in a 1940s style. What makes this piece particularly unique is the delicate floral artwork adorning her shoulders and upper chest—painted camelias in soft peach tones with gray-blue leaves, appearing like vintage tattoos on the porcelain surface.

porcelain bust floral tattoo art classical sculpture female portrait