Antique Chinese Mudman: Seated Scholar

holding a scroll in his hand. His face and hand are not glazed, and his robes show a variation in color that distinguishes antique pieces. There is no label or CHINA stamp which suggests this piece may predate 1891 or have been made for the local market only.
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 this was part of a set purchased on one of the Burr sisters’ visits to China in the 1920s or 1930s.
 
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 and later in 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. Only on close inspection did we notice a possible chip on the side of the seat he is sitting on (see photos). The base is also unlike those on other mudmen in our collection, much less tidy or polished, to be diplomatic. There is also a small hole in the base that suggests this piece might have been designed to sit on a stake of some sort, perhaps in a bonsai or miniature landscape arrangement. 
 
H 3 1/4” x L 2 1/4” x D 2 3/8”
3.81 oz (108g)
 
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.