Live Auction 2808European Furniture, Clocks, Sculpture and Works of Art
A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai
Lot 413

A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Liu Hai

KANGXI (1662-1722)

Closed16 December 2008

Price Realised

EUR 1,875

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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

Specialist note

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.