This is a rare, Antique "Zhenmushou", which is a Chinese Pottery Guardian Earth Spirit, likely from the Tang Dynasty (6th - 10th century). These mythical characters typically have anthropomorphic (human-like) face, a ribbed spine, a single curled horn and cloven hooves. These figurines were traditionally modeled seated on their haunches and were placed in tombs to protect the deceased. They also protected the living by keeping the spirits of the dead from inappropriately roaming outside the tomb. Authentic pieces were typically made of earthenware and feature traces of original painted pigment or straw colored glaze. This one is a hybrid of fragments. The body has old painted ceramic pieces mixed with newer, unglazed clay and the face and spiny back have straw colored glaze. I obviously cannot date this piece confidently, but the Custom Stand is definitely mid-late 1800's. The figurine is apx. 12.25" tall x 6" deep x 4.75" wide and has the former dealer owner's tag near the bottom. It weighs apx. 3lbs 2oz (1400g). The hand carved wood stand is 2.25" tall.