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I have recently acquired a nice porcelain figurine of Zhongli Quan riding Qilin of 32 cm in height.
Some places on glaze show iridescence when viewed at an angle under the light. Some lines are covered by gold enamel.
Seller told me about 19 century age. Is it true?
Thank you in advance
Vasily

I used to own this similarly made image of an immortal, perhaps the woman He Xiangu or the androgynous Lan Caihe. It came with a custom-made stand and had been used as a lamp. Its dimensions are approximately 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) high without stand, and around 14 inches (35.6 cm) on the stand.

The immortal on elephant image impressed me as probably having been made at the outset for use as an electric lamp. Along with the aperture in the elephant's stomach, there is a port in the basket large enough for use as the exit for a metal tube carrying wires up to a socket. I suppose the piece also could have been configured for gas lighting as well.

The white glaze on mine has a brightness that I associate with the early Republic Period, to which era I pegged the manufacture of the piece. Electrification of lighting systems was underway as of the end in the 19th century, so yours and mine might both be late Qing I'd guess.

I've also come across an image of Liu Hai and the Money Toad on eBay in about the same size and apparently made for wiring as a lamp as well.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Dear Bill H.,
Thank you very much for new help.( you have helped me several times earlier).
Indeed your figurine seems to be very similar to mine and your opinion is close to seller :-)
I would highly appreciate if you judge my post on 22 June on
Man and elephant
Again thank you very much for your comment

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