Chinese Mudman Figure ~ Man with Scroll and Fan ~ c1900
Mudmen were brightly glazed figurines of women, wise men and old sages, sometimes fishing, seated or standing, holding flutes, scrolls, pots, fish and other objects of mystical importance.
The thing that separates these figurines from the ordinary, is that they were made individually by hand. It has been suggested this was a ‘cottage industry’ involving nearly every member of the village in the production of these oriental curios. As the story goes, when the harvesting of rice was complete and the dry season had set in, the villagers turned to figurine production as a means of establishing a vigorous economy. This accounts for the varying degrees of quality apparent in each of the pieces.
Most mud figures were made in Southern China in the Shiwan area in the Guangdong Providence. Most were made during the Qing dynasty also known as the Manchu dynasty which was China’s last dynasty. There were four Emperors during the Qing dynasty and two important events - the Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion.
Here is a wonderful example of a Chinese mud man figurine. The following are pictures of them. Notice the running paint. There is the mark “China” which dates the figurine between 1890 and 1919. Most mud men are very detailed and this is no exception - finely detailed with locks of hair and beard. There are the desired inside cavity, mark, thin edges and the ears and eyes have holes.
The usual marking found on the underside or base of these vintage wares is an impressed mark reading “CHINA”. However not all of the original figures were marked but as a general rule, look for the CHINA imprint on the bottom in the clay or even up inside the hole in the base. And please be aware that new mud figures also can bear a CHINA mark but it will a more refined mark.
The glaze is in the Sancai tradition of Cerulean Blue, Jade Green, and Mustard Yellow. The colors are still vibrant. These works of art reflects the pinnacle of the potters art and is indicative of the very early 20th century (late Qing, early Republic).
One legend is that older figures have a hole in the bottom of the base that extends up inside the figure. The Artists used this hole to form or shape their work around their finger, hand, or a stick. These holes were at one time filled with contraband and plugged shut. When they arrived at their destination, the clay plug was removed and the figure shattered to get the smuggled goods. You can sometimes find a mud figure where the hole has been sealed but, who would want to destroy a great vintage piece only to find that this is a legend.
For collectors of these exquisite figurines, what you’re looking for when handling a piece, is a hole in the bottom, not necessarily marked, pin point features, holding an object, etc., and you, too, could have a valuable vintage piece in your hands.
Information mainly from: Gauk Artifact - The Antiques Encyclopedia (online available)
Roughly 10cm high.
Condition: Very good, no cracks , no chips, no repairs that I could identify. May have rough glaze on edges which is normal, and desired, to these old pieces.
Beautifully painted and highly detailed.
Overall good condition, no flaws noted.
Please see photos for exact condition.
A Great Addition to your Mudman collection!
In excellent condition and highly collectable.
All photos form part of the description. Please view the photos carefully for more details and the general condition.
Please note: More photos on request.
Thank you for looking!
Some of the gorgeous mudmen in my collection - this gives perspective on sizes of different figurines:
