Antique Chinese Shekwan ceramic mudman sculpture, a figure of a delightful monk handmade and carved with realistic facial features with dimples cheapest in both cheeks, having eye, nose, and ears pierced to add more details. It is glazed in 3 colors and partially bisque finished head and one hand. Outstanding workmanship on carving, the lines, and the elegance of this figure are superb. This is an excellent example of a traditional "mudman" made in southern China. He is wearing a glazed green robe with black shoes while holding his black paper umbrella in his hand (the tip of two fingers are nicked off and missing as is the case with many of these figures that have survived, he also has chipped ears). It stands approximately 4.5" tall, 2" wide, and 1.75" deep, and is impressed CHINA on the bottom, the mark indicates that it was made from 1890 to 1919. The Shekwan ceramics are commonly known as mudware, mud figures, mud people, or mud men.
The upper left side has been broken and put together long ago, visible glue around the neck area and the umbrella, and a broken off and missing piece against the umbrella on the shoulder). The condition is fair, damages are indicative of the age and use. Still, it is a significant part of history that is unique, would make a great addition to any collection. The price is a direct result of the noted damages.
Product code: Chinese Shekwan ceramic mudman figure of a monk, cheapest antique collectible 1890-1920