A RARE SANCAI-GLAZED BISCUIT FIGURE OF LI TIEGUAI QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the Immortal well modelled standing with one leg raised on a crutch and holding a double-gourd vase in his left hand, the facial features finely modelled with large bulging eyes and a curly moustache and beard, wearing a simple robe freely splashed with aubergine, yellow and green glazes open at the front to reveal his sunken chest and rotund stomach and swept dramatically to his right side, all supported on a similarly glazed pedestal base pierced to the front and back with a quatrefoil panel

The figure is in good overall condition with the exception of some small areas of restoration to the elbow of the left arm, to the left ear, and to a circa 6 x 3cm. section of the bottom edge to the back of the robe; light firing cracks around the back; firing cracks and cracks around the neck (the head probably detached and repaired); a 6cm. long hairline crack running over his shoulder and chest; and a 7cm. long hairline glaze crack around the front of his raised right leg. The pedestal base has restoration to three corners of the base, to the rear central section above the pierced quatre-foil panel, and across the top.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The plinth contains a small silk reliquary parcel inscribed in ink with a date equivalent to 1693. 

It is rare to find biscuit figures representing one of the 'Eight Immortals' Iron Crutch Li or Li Tieguai. Li appears as a lame beggar supported by an iron crutch. He carries a gourd which holds medicine that cures the sick and ailing. Traditionally he has been seen as the protector of physicians. Although he may appear ugly and is generally considered irascible and ill-tempered, according to Chinese mythology, he was benevolent to the poor, sick and needy.  

See a sancai figure of Liu Hai, in the Peabody Museum of Salem, illustrated in William R. Sargent, The Copeland Collection. Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Figures, Salem, 1991, pl. 26, together with a famille verte figure of a Lohan, pl. 12. Compare also a famille noire biscuit figure of Li Tieguai sold at Christie's New York, 4th June 1992, lot 271; and a group figure of Li Tieguai and He Xiangu, from the Montague Meyer collection, sold at Christie's London, 14th April 1980, lot 314.