A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai
Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the H… Read more
A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai

KANGXI (1662-1722)

Details
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
Special notice
Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €20,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €20,001 and €800.000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €800.000. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

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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