Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Figurine Daoist Zhang Guolao Immortal Qing 19th C

Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Figurine Daoist Zhang Guolao Immortal Qing 19th C

ITEM DETAILS

Inventory Code: INV5318

Object: Figurine of Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Daoist Immortals

Material: Porcelain with Famille Rose enamel decoration

Origin: China

Period: Qing Dynasty

Date: 19th Century

Decoration: Polychrome Famille Rose enamels in yellow, blue, iron red, turquoise and pink, with floral and longevity motifs

Mark: Unmarked

MEASUREMENTS

Height: 8.27 in / 21.0 cm

Width: 2.36 in / 6.0 cm

Depth: 1.77 in / 4.5 cm

CONDITION

GOOD (4/5) – Minor enamel wear, surface scratches, small glaze losses and imperfections consistent with age. Minor enamel losses to the blue hat, together with light wear around the base and exposed foot rim. No obvious major cracks or repairs are visible in the photographs. Please review the photos carefully for more details.

DESCRIPTION

An attractive Chinese Qing Dynasty porcelain figurine depicting Zhang Guolao, one of the legendary Eight Daoist Immortals, dating to the 19th century. The standing figure is finely modelled as an elderly scholar with a long flowing white beard, serene facial expression and traditional blue scholar’s hat. He wears a brightly enamelled yellow upper robe decorated with blue longevity symbols, a deep cobalt blue lower garment embellished with floral motifs, and an iron red undergarment. The figure holds a traditional bamboo musical instrument associated with Zhang Guolao, commonly known as a fish drum, symbolising his supernatural powers and Daoist identity. The colourful Famille Rose decoration is enhanced by turquoise, pink and green enamel details, with carefully outlined floral ornamentation. The figure stands upon a rectangular turquoise glazed pedestal decorated with a small pink flower, while the underside is hollow and unglazed. The expressive modelling, vivid enamel palette and traditional iconography give this antique porcelain figure considerable decorative appeal and historical interest.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

Zhang Guolao is one of the legendary Eight Daoist Immortals, revered figures in Chinese mythology associated with longevity, wisdom, spiritual knowledge and supernatural powers. Traditionally believed to have lived during the Tang Dynasty, he was regarded as an elderly hermit possessing extraordinary magical abilities and knowledge of the secrets of nature. According to Chinese folklore, Zhang Guolao travelled on a magical white mule, often riding backwards. When the animal was not needed, he could fold it like a piece of paper and place it in his pocket. Whenever he wished to travel again, he sprinkled the folded mule with water, restoring it to life. His remarkable magical powers attracted the attention of Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Xuanzong, both of whom summoned him to the imperial court. On two occasions, Zhang Guolao reportedly feigned death rather than obey their commands. Eventually, Emperor Xuanzong persuaded him to attend court, where his supernatural abilities greatly impressed the emperor. Nevertheless, Zhang Guolao refused to abandon his wandering life and ultimately disappeared into immortality. In traditional Chinese art, he is commonly represented as an elderly man with a long white beard, carrying a bamboo musical instrument known as a fish drum, one of his principal identifying attributes. The Eight Daoist Immortals were believed to have attained immortality through spiritual cultivation and their understanding of the natural world. Together they symbolise happiness, prosperity, longevity and divine protection. Their popularity increased during the Yuan Dynasty, when temples were dedicated to them, and they remained important subjects in Chinese decorative arts throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Qing Dynasty Famille Rose porcelain figures depicting the Eight Immortals were produced for domestic display, religious appreciation and decorative purposes. Antique representations of Zhang Guolao are particularly appealing to collectors of Chinese porcelain, Daoist religious art and traditional mythological figures.

NOTES

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. The identification and dating are based on the figure’s traditional iconography, decorative style and visible characteristics.