Skekwan 'Mudman' Two Sage Monks - 2024 Hand made & painted - glazed Vintage Chinese Stoneware for Bonsai Landscape practice known as Pen'Jing

Tiny fact that these Figurines (which were of people, animals, huts and Temples) have always had a place in Bonsai Landscape practice known as Pen'Jing as an aesthetic contribution - SEE HISTORY notes below..

Two Sage Monks sharing Tea - as Tea was regarded as one of the Seven daily necessities! Faces are very detailed, and expressive - that respected concentrated look that two Wise Elders give when sharing a conversation...
(these same style charactors can be found in other forms - unsigned - c 1920's)
They are seated with a square table set between - 2024 a small Teapot rests on top.
Both are glazed in the traditional Sancai of Mustard Yellow (a little darker in colouring), pale version of Cerulean Blue (Teapot) and softer Celadon - Jade Green, with the table/seating a unglazed rich brown. Each is accented in a little Brown and Grey White - colours are aged by use of style to paint - yet still very unique..
Base is covered with a Green velvet cloth - but style dates it between 1950's - no markings or stamp is visible.
There are some tiny Flea bites - no cracks or visible damage...natural roughness of Clay where unglazed.
The Sage Monk on the Right holds a Fan...his other hand rests behind the Teapot.
The Sage Monk to the Left is however missing his cup...semi-closed hand is empty - HOWEVER may never have been finished, as there is no damage to the actual hand??

Measure 4 1/2" High x 4 1/4" wide (side to side ) x 2 1/2"" back to front at base.

History:>
Pen'Jing is a nearly lost Art form, that is once again becoming popular with Chinese Bonsai enthusiasts.
Now enters the 'Mudman'.!!!!
The thing that separates these figurines from the ordinary, is that they were made individually by hand.
Mudmen were brightly glazed figurines of women, wise men and old sages, sometimes fishing, seated or standing, holding flutes, scrolls, pots, fish and other objects of Mystical importance.

The 'mud' or clay for the figures torso was pressed into a mold by hand, at this point each part would be individually molded to be assembled by the various crafter at the appropriate time. Hands, feet, legs, head and smaller details like hair, hats, beards and other items would complete the ensemble. As a finishing touch, eyes, nose and ears would be pierced to add further detail.
(Fingerprints can often still be seen, immortalized in the fired clay).

It is important to note that the Mudmen were hand painted with a low temperature Lead glass glaze in the traditional 'Yellow mustard' and 'Cerulean Blue', 'Celadon' a Green glaze, has been suggested as being used to represent 'Jade'.
Finally, the occasional use of White or Brown was used to break the monotony of the Tri-colours.

In the early 1950's, the Chinese export companies began a new era of Mudman - a production that continues until the present.