Porcellana Famiglia Rosa a smalti policromi raffigurante Immortale

Porcelain figure, Famille Rose, polychrome enamel, depicting the Immortal, China, Republic 1912-1945. H.48 cm, Weight 3.2 kg. Conditions: Overall, the object is intact. The figure's wrist is detachable; no evident breaks or signs of later replacements. There are slight signs of surface wear in localized outer areas, while the edges show light abrasions and small nicks. The detachable hand is not a later break, but a traditional construction technique. For statues of dignitaries or deities that were meant to hold ritual objects or assume specific mudras (hand gestures), the furnaces molded and fired the hands separately and fit them into the sleeve of the garment. This served both to avoid breakage during kiln removal of the clay and to facilitate transport. It is a sign of good adherence to traditional manufacturing techniques. The robe is richly decorated with polychrome enamels in the famille rose (fencai) style. At the base one can notice the classic wave motif (Lishui) representing the sea and the universe, topped by an intricate blue background featuring medallions with cranes (symbol of longevity) and lotus flowers. On the back she carries a tied ritual object, presumably a Ruyi scepter (symbol of power and good fortune), held by a raised red ribbon. The most distinctive detail is the application of real hair (or mane) for the mustache and the long strands of beard. This mixed technique was quite popular toward the end of the Qing dynasty and, indeed, the Republican period, used to confer an almost theatrical realism to sculptures of deities and sages. The small crack found on the base is a kiln defect caused by clay tension during cooling, not a break from a fall or impact. It is a detail that, while technically an imperfection, confirms the piece’s craftsmanship rather than a perfectly modern mass production (which typically does not show such tensions). Please refer to the numerous published photos for a careful analysis of the painting quality of the enamels and the conservation state. Maximum care in packaging; the hand will be packed separately to minimize the risk of damage.

Stima:€850

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