Siamese Twins

Description

Miniature porcelain figure of Chang and Eng, the famous nineteenth-century Siamese twins.

Chang and Eng Bunker (1811-1874) were conjoined twin brothers brought to the United States from Thailand in 1829. Playing up their exotic origins, their manages exhibited the “Siamese Youths”  in “freak shows” across America and the British Isles. Curious attendees paid 25 cents to see Chang and Eng perform athletic feats such as somersaults and swimming. After only a few years, the twins broke from their de facto indentured servitude and toured on their own, their act now performed in English and in more dignified parlor settings. After a decade of financial success, they retired in 1839 to settle in North Carolina, where they married sisters and fathered a combined 21 children.

This porcelain figure was likely sold as a souvenir when the pair was on tour in the 1830s.

Condition

Very good. The imperfection on the reverse is from the firing of the porcelain.

Measurements

3 3/8 inches tall
2 inches wide

Shipping

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