Antique Chinese Mudman: Trio of Enquiring Wise Men (Set of 3)
This set features three men all slightly hunched over and all looking slightly downwards in the same direction for some unknown reason. They are dressed in dark olive and dark blue robes, only two in fully glazed garb. They were identified as wise men based on their general dress and headgear.
The one in the center is not fully glazed which would suggest he is not made of fine clay, however he sounds the same as the others when knocked a little. All three have the characteristic antique trait of unglazed faces and hands.
Only the mustached one has the remnants of a CHINA label, which is stuck on the back at the bottom of his robes and is only legible because we knew what we were looking for. Antiques marked with only the word "CHINA" date to the 1891-1919 period of Chinese exports. The marking was a result of the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, which required imported goods to be labeled with their country of origin. The lack of any mark or label on the other two suggests they may be older and more antique, but all three have similar bases with short hollows so perhaps they were made at the same time and place. 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 these were 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 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 these pieces are minimal beyond the need for a good careful cleaning. The moustached man however has had a corner of his cap crack off (which happened when he fell over during photography, our fault)!
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.