Antique Chinese Mudman: Monk and Musician (Set of 2)

This set features two men with slight smiles, one with a book (whose pages one can see on close inspection) on one knee, his hand resting atop it, the other holding what might be a musical instrument (or toad, if you want to trust AI)… The are dressed grey-green and grey-blue robes, sitting on low benches. One is fully glazed but for his face and hands. The other, the bald one, is missing some glaze which may be an indication of the passage of time since it was made.
 
The one with full glaze sports a Chinese language label on his back and another darker label on the bench he sits upon. This suggests it predates the 1891 introduction of Chinese export labeling, or was made for the local market.
 
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.
 
Both of these mudmen are missing their right forefinger, the damage barely visible (see photos). Other signs of age on these pieces are minimal beyond the need for a good careful cleaning.
 
All three are each approx. H 3 1/8” x L 1-1 1/2” x D 7/8-1”
Set weight: 4.55 oz (129g)
 
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.