A RARE GLAZED BISCUIT FIGURE OF LIU HAI CHINA, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the immortal seated in a posture of ease holding a peach in the right hand, with the left foot resting on the head of his companion toad, dressed a robe painted with a 'cracked ice and prunus' design, the well-modeled expressive face below a head-band keeping the long, loose hair in place, the back unglazed and centered with a circular aperture, with a twelve-character dedicatory inscription, supported on a wood stand carved with clouds, emblems of the 'eight Immortals' and other auspicious symbols (2)

Collection of Espirito Santo.
Acquired in Portugal, 1974.

The figure has had an impact to the back with resultant cracks, some losses along the cracks and repairs. The right hand is restored and there are scattered repairs along the lower edge. There is a chip to the right sleeve edge, and cracks below the figure's chin and firing cracks around the back of the head.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription may be translated as 'Devotee Hong Wuhao of Duchang county offers this image with joy'. Duchang is located in Jiangxi province.

The facial features, especially the eyes and nose, of this figure, as well as the wood stand, are closely related to a Kangxi period figure sold at Christie's New York, 24th March 2011, lot 1720. 

Two other glazed biscuit Daoist deities portraying the civilian and military gods of wealth supported on similar bases, from the collection of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are illustrated in Suzanne G. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989, col. pl. 33, and p. 228, no. 222 respectively. 

Liu Hai is venerated as a god of wealth because his companion toad is particularly attracted to gold. If the toad ever strayed, Liu Hai could lure him out of hiding by using a string of coins.  Since ancient Chinese coins had a hole in the middle and Liu Hai would thread them together through the hole, he is also venerated as the patron saint of needle makers.

In the present lot, Liu Hai is portrayed holding a peach, thereby not only bestowing wealth, but also longevity.