4 vintage Chinese Oriental Mud Men figures - Art Pottery - All have some marks on Base.

Height Approx. 7" TO 9"  inches

HISTORY OF MUDMEN

The 'mud' or clay for the figures was pressed into a mould by hand, at this point each part would be individually moulded to be assembled by the various crafters at the appropriate time. Fingerprints can often still be seen, immortalised in the fired clay. After the torso was released from the mould, the head, hands and legs or feet would be added. Then hair, hats, beards and other items would complete the ensemble. As a finishing touch, eyes, nose and ears would be pierced to add further detail. Then the entire collection of the works would be fired in a kiln to cure the clay.

The mudmen were hand painted with a low temperature lead glass glaze in the traditional 'yellow mustard' and 'cerulean blue', 'celadon' a green glaze, has been suggested as being used to represent 'jade'. Finally, the occasional use of white or brown was used to break the monotony of the tri-colours. The head, hands and face were left unglazed to expose the natural colour of the mud that was often enough, a flesh tone. The rocks upon which some mudmen were seated, shoes or sandals, were painted with a dark brown, almost black under-glaze, that was often used to paint hair and facial features as well.