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    Sale 2808

    European Furniture, Clocks, Sculpture and Works of Art

    15 - 16 December 2008, Amsterdam

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  • Lot 413

    A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai

    KANGXI (1662-1722)

    Price Realised  

    A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai
    Kangxi (1662-1722)
    The immortal standing on a base rising from cresting waves with one leg raised, wearing long robes revealing his bony chest, holding a long string of cash tempting his three-legged toad out of the water, the coin at the shoulder moulded in relief with four-character mark Kangxi tong pao, (Kangxi coins), minor damage and repair
    37.5 cm. high


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    There are many versions of the story of Liu Hai and his toad companion, but the essential elements remain that as a reward for his friendship, the toad revealed the secret to eternal life. Holding the toad also allowed Liu Hai to travel anywhere in the world instantaneously. For a similar example see P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, no. 72B.

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