1890 China
A 19th Century Qing Dynasty Porcelain Immortal
£1,250
SOLD
Height 8 inches (20.32 cm)
Width 4 1/2 inches (11.43 cm)
Depth 3 inches (7.62 cm)
A late 19th century polychrome glazed figure of a seated Immortal, depicted holding a peach.
This figure is representative of immortality and good health. To this end, he is holding a peach in his hand, which is a well respected symbol of all things immortal in China. The shape of his head traditionally resembles that of a peach and his clothes represent the colour palette of famille rose. The idea of a long life, respect for the elders and immortality has been a Daoist (and Confucian) concern for centuries and symbols thereof became essential in Chinese art.
Qing Dynasty, Gungxu Period (1875 – 1908)
