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Estate antique 1891-1919


Rare Dark Yellow Ceramic
CHINESE IMMORTAL or DIETY
Knowledge, Learning
Small Figurine

All dark yellow ceramic glaze, the standing figure is a representation of a scholar holding a scroll to show the importance of knowledge and learning.

We believe this fellow represents one of two Chiinese dieties:
A.) One of the three Sanxing or Star Gods: Fu is often depicted as a scholar holding a scroll (sometimes surrounded by children)
B.) One of the Eight Immortals, or BaXian: Lü Dongbin an 8th-century scholar, who learned the secrets of Taoism from Zhuang Lin Quan.
If you know, let us know!!  Scroll down to read more

This statuette was in a great aunt's round front display cabinet as long as we can remember!  We can date this as 1891 to 1919, when the plain "CHINA" mark came into use when US Federal Law required all imports to be marked with their country of origin. ---  

         After 1919, the addition of "MADE IN" was mandated. 

          After 1949, "PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF" or abbreviation "P.R.O.C." in Western or Chinese became required.

We think it likely it came to America with Chinese immigrants during the building of the railroads


---Keep in mind, this antique figure is not the highest quality ceramic or porcelain.. It was not made for the wealthy, but for the average working class folk who wanted a representation of their gods or immortals to grace their home. 

----It is very much like this example: the original 1968 Marcel Breuer Cesca cane and chrome dining chairs can cost $1,000 and up, each, of premium quality for luxury buyers.  But there were plenty of knockoffs made for the working class at less than $100 per chair, some even less - not the greatest quality in materials or manufacture, but serviceable and provided the desired look.

---This figurine is like the reproduction Breuer chair, a nice looking replica that was made affordable for average incomes--We think its survival intact makes it rare and desirable


Stamped "CHINA" underneath, the figure has misglazing, particularly thick and thin in spots. Closeups show crazing plus tiny discoloration flaws, as well as maker imperfections like the occasional light fissures underneath the glaze that add to the character of this nifty old figurine.  Underneath shows residual clay not removed that baked on during firing, and there are also markings in blue, not sure if done in China or maybe as an import mark made here in USA.

Appx 4.5" x 2" x 1.25”


See our other listings for an antique White Goddess Guanyin, plus a lovely antique white teacup and saucer with dragon handle and lion feet.


Double packed for better safety in transit

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PLEASE READ ENTIRE LISTING & VIEW ALL PHOTOS

Ask questions, Sold As-Is, No returns.

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We'd love to see someone adopt and enjoy! 

We are a smoke-free home with a hypoallergenic dog (Standard Poodle) – We usually mail w/in a day or two of payment, but have 5-10 day handling for health reasons, but if you need sooner LET US KNOW right away, we will do our best to accommodate if we can

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---We combine shipping where safe to do so. Internationals, we use Ebay Global Shipping only. Many of our items are from an old Yankee New England Maine Family estate We are just plain folks looking to move things forward, not dealers, not experts, we do our best to describe but might miss something. Ask questions. 

---USE PHOTOS: Pictures are part of the description. Be aware that camera flash and your color monitor can cause color difference –-Remember pics are often closeups and thus exaggerated, so use photos with ruler or coin AND/OR the description for better estimate of actual size  

---Used Items: Expect typical evidence of use wear handling and/or storage.

—We’re old, moving things forward, so no returns

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BaXian

Some of the most legendary figures in traditional Chinese culture are the ones known as the Eight Immortals, or BaXian (八仙). These figures are a fascinating merger of historical, mythical, and religious, each with their own stories.
These stories tell of the virtues of their origin and accomplishments. They are said to live on Mount Penglai in the Bohai Sea. Each lived a dramatically different life; they were generals, a father to an empress, scholars, politicians, hermits, artists, and sages. Though the BaXian are Daoist deities, they are also celebrated in secular Chinese culture.
---We believe he could represent Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓; pinyin: Lǚ Dòngbīn), an 8th-century scholar, who learned the secrets of Taoism from Zhuang Lin Quan. Dressed as a scholar, he is honoured as such.

Sanxing
The yellow figure may also represent one of the three Chinese deities known as Fu, Lu, and Shou, also known as the Sanxing or Star Gods.  They are popular figures in Chinese culture. These gods, which represent good fortune, wealth and material fortune, and longevity, respectively, have been worshipped in China since the Ming Dynasty.
----Fu is considered the personification of good fortune and knowledge.  He is depicted carrying a scroll or surrounded by children, or both!
The Sanxing continue to be revered and celebrated today, as symbols of the good life and symbols of hope for the future.