Sandbanks Antiques has dated this piece to the 1910s.
3 cm.
This "cabinet piece" represents the height of the Republic Period (c. 1912–1940) literati style, where porcelain was treated as a canvas for fine art.
The body is decorated with a masterfully executed depiction of Li Tieguai, the Iron-Crutch Immortal. The artist has used sophisticated fencai (powdered) enamels and meticulous stipple-work to capture the character’s eccentric, wind-swept spirit. He is shown seated upon a large double-gourd, accompanied by five vibrant iron-red bats (Wu Fu), symbolizing a life blessed with five-fold fortune.
The reverse features a poetic couplet in fluid, rhythmic Running Script calligraphy:
"His beard is a wild, tangled mess, yet a golden headband rests upon his brow. With a grime-streaked face and dishevelled hair, he leans upon his iron crutch."
The poem is punctuated by three translucent rose-pink seals—Jun (Gentleman) and Hua (Painting)—marking this as a scholar’s commissioned work.
The base is finished with a crisp, professional four-character Qianlong tribute mark in overglaze blue enamel.
Condition: Good
Provenance:
The G.S. May, Esquire Private Collection, London, Purchased from Specialist Asian Works of Art Collection.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this piece to the 1910s.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
The Master’s Hand: A Fine Early Chinese 1912 circa ‘Li Tieguai’ Scholar’s Miniature Vase
