Antique Chinese Mudman: Horse (and Headless Horseman!)

This vibrant blue grazing horse miniature is actually a mud horse, created using the fine clay as used to make mudmen. The horse is a symbol of power and loyalty in China. It is fully glossed, with the use of sancai, or three color glazing, adding to its beauty. 
 
The miniature statuette has the residue of a sticker or label which we suspect was a mark of where the horse was made, suggesting it dates to the 1891-1919 period. 
 
The Viet Potter has an excellent blog post for collectors on how to identify authentic antique mudmen and how to care for them.
 
We believe the Burr sisters purchased these among others in the 1920s or 1930s when they visited China on world tours.
 
Known for their intricate details, a Chinese mudman is a miniature, handmade, brightly glazed figurine depicting scholars, wise men, and everyday people, often holding objects. Antique ones often have exposed, unglazed clay for the face, hands and feet. They originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) as figures in miniature landscapes or part of bonsai arrangements. They were popular export pieces in the early 1900s, especially those created in Shiwan. They often symbolize concepts like wisdom, harmony, prosperity, and good fortune. They are collectible and considered good fortune, often displayed in Chinese homes.
 
Signs of age on this piece are minimal beyond the need for a good careful cleaning. There is a chip to the right ear and some residue from what we believe was a label of origin. Otherwise the horse is in very good condition for its age.
 
Bonus: This piece comes with the ‘headless horseman’, a small mudman whose head unfortunately came off. The head will be included and can be reattached by someone with careful hands. Note though that the way to attach it is by recognizing the horseman was looking up, or so it seems. There is a MADE IN CHINA label on the bottom of this piece, suggesting it was made between 1920-1940.
 
H 1 7/8” x L 3 5/8” x D 1”
1.13 oz (32g)
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.