Welcome to my store.

I am offering a part of the heritage of my family and other relatives, or even close ones, and there are many objects that have been in the same hands for several years.

No doubt when you receive this good you will enjoy it as much as others did in the past.
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BEAUTIFUL SET OF (2) ANTIQUE CHINESE 
SHIWAN MUDMEN SAGE FIGURES 7", REPUBLIC PERIOD, GLAZED, HANDMADE, GUANGDONG STYLE.

Good! - Circa 1930

Ideal gift for special occasions and collectors. No visible breaks, lines, cracks or flaws. The pieces are in good conditions as pictured. Received by inheritance. No original packaging. 

Up for sale is a beautiful, matching pair of authentic Antique Chinese Shiwan (Shekwan) Mudmen figurines, dating back to the Chinese Republic Period (circa 1920s–1935s). 

Each figure stands approximately 7 inches (18 cm) tall and weighs 296 grams, representing a highly collectible mid-to-large size range that allows for superb hand-sculpted facial details and expressive character lines. 

The pair beautifully features traditional Daoist scholars or sages. One figure wears a striking, deep cobalt blue glazed robe while holding a fan and a scroll. The companion figure features a vibrant yellow and green Sancai-style glazed robe while grasping a double script scroll. The faces, long white beards, and feet are left in natural unglazed baked clay, characteristic of classic Shiwan production.

Condition Report:

Both figurines are in good antique condition with NO visible chips, NO cracks, and NO restorations. All fingers, scrolls, and delicate ceramic details are complete, which is exceptionally rare for mudmen of this age. There are only minor original kiln glaze pops/firing anomalies on the back robes, which are standard factory defects from early production and do not detract from the value.

A bottom edge of one figure is impressed with the rectangular two-line "MADE IN CHINA" export stamp. A wonderful addition to any Asian art collection, perfect for display on a shelf or alongside a premium bonsai penjing arrangement. The other one is not marked but it is clearly the same material and design of piece, varying in color and some elements.

Details of the Pieces and Symbolism

These sculptures were hand-molded from local clay and are characterized by the contrast between the vibrantly colored garments—with traditional Sancai-style glazes or similar—and the exposed, unglazed clay (faces, beards, and hands).

Both pieces represent Taoist sages or scholars:

Left figure: Wears a bright, dark blue robe. Holds a scroll in one hand (symbolizing learning and wisdom) and a palm-leaf fan in the other (associated with integrity and the ability to ward off negative energies).

Right figure: Wears a yellow and green robe. Carries a double scroll or a container of sacred scriptures, reinforcing his status as a scholar or sage.

Historical Context and Use

Origin: The mass production of these figures for export to the West flourished from the late 19th to the mid-20th century (approximately 1890 to 1950).

Original Function: Traditionally, they were used as decorative and life-size elements in Chinese miniature landscape arrangements (penjing), which inspired bonsai landscapes and displays.

2. Hollow Structure and Clay

Exposed Interior: The interior is completely hollow and displays the light beige or grayish tone characteristic of Guangdong clay. The artisan's finger marks are often visible inside, confirming that they were molded and assembled by hand.

Rough Edges: The unglazed base has a rough, flat finish, designed to sit stably on flat surfaces or bonsai trays.

1. The Seal on the Base

On the lower right edge, there is a recessed rectangular seal mark (incised). On Shiwan pieces of this type, these seals usually indicate the country of origin: "CHINA":

If the seal only says "CHINA," the figures generally date from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republican period (between 1890 and 1919). This is because the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 required imported goods to be marked with their country of origin: "MADE IN CHINA":

If the seal includes the full text "MADE IN CHINA," it most likely dates from the 1920s onward, when export regulations became stricter.

Manufacturing Period and Age

Estimated Dating: The "MADE IN CHINA" stamp, in two lines and set within a recessed box, places the manufacture of these pieces between 1919 and the late 1940s (Republican Period in China).

Export Context: Before 1919, Western customs regulations only required the word "CHINA," so the inclusion of "MADE IN" confirms that they correspond to the consolidation of the interwar export market.

Dimensions and Weight Analysis

Height (18 cm): This is approximately 7 inches. In the mudman collector market, figures were classified by standard size ranges. Pieces between 7 and 8 inches are considered medium-to-large, allowing Shiwan artisans to sculpt much finer and more expressive details in the faces and drapery folds than in 2- or 3-inch miniatures.

Weight (296 g): A weight close to 300 grams for this size confirms that it is made of dense, solid clay, hand-molded. Modern resin replicas or industrially molded lightweight porcelain pieces usually have a drastically different weight or overly perfect, smooth interior finishes.

Measurement:
Height: 7" (18 cm)
Length: 2.4" (6 cm)
Width: 2.2" (5.5 cm)
Weight (both): 20.9 oz (592 g)

Please check all the information, including the Seller Notes Field and all the photos available, they are part of the listing information.

Antique or vintage items are sold in their original condition, as found, except for a superficial dusting. Items may have stains or variations in paint tone or material condition, which are inherent to their age and are preserved to maintain their antique character. We do not perform polishing or restoration ourselves; we wish to maintain the originality. However, after purchase, if you wish to have these services done, it will be entirely at your discretion.

Shipments are made with appropriate and sufficient protection. Large, heavy, or fragile items are meticulously packed with professional materials, using bubble wrap, double-layered envelopes/cardboard, and a sturdy box to ensure safe transport.

Note: The measurements are approximate and should be considered with reasonable tolerance for the objects, even more so if they are small (+/- 5 to 10%).

IMPORTANT: I offer combined shipping. Many of my items have free shipping if send together, and for the rest, shipping will be 50% or less of the cost indicated for each item if shipped together (large items are send individually only). 

How to get the best combined shipping?

When you add the different items you want to your cart, to request an invoice, click the "Request total from seller" button on the right.

To pay, wait to receive the updated invoice with the combined shipping costs and then make your payment. I usually send the invoice within 12 hours or less, often within minutes (between 9 AM and 7 PM, GMT-3), even on holidays.

Regarding the offer, please read this information carefully:
 
The approved return refund will be limited to the sale price of the item at maximum. Shipping costs, insurance, import fees, tariffs or related costs outside of the sales price are the responsibility of the buyer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any inquiry about them.

Shipments are delivered in 3 to 7 business days. 

Thank you for the preference and trust!

Ref. #4128-4129