Antique Chinese Mudman: Musician with Guqin Instrument

This piece features a man in white robes with a guqin on his lap. The guqin is a seven-stringed Chinese zither that is one of the oldest and most revered Chinese musical instruments, with a history of over 3,000 years. It is associated with scholarly culture, often played for self-reflection.
 
He is fully glazed but for his face, his hands not exposed. Compared to others in our collection, this piece seems a bit primitive especially due to the simplicity of its base. On the other hand, the instrument appears to be made of intricately carved wood and his face is quite detailed. 
 
There is no export mark – a label or stamp identifying it as being made in China. 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.
 
Signs of age on this piece is minimal beyond the need for a good careful cleaning. There is no visible damage it at all. 
 
H 1 3/4” x L 1 3/4” x D 1 1/4”
0.63 oz (18g)
 
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.