Rare Large 56cm Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Figures, Pair, Fujian Huiguan Mark

A pair of Chinese porcelain figures modelled as Qing dynasty emperors, of exceptional size, standing 54 cm and 56 cm high.

Size is the outstanding feature of this pair. Figures of this model are commonly encountered at 16 cm, 25 cm, 38 cm and 41 cm. Examples at 54 to 56 cm are rarely seen, and the scale required a substantially more demanding moulding, firing and painting process. The larger format also allows the decoration to be executed at a level of detail not possible on the smaller sizes.

Each figure stands on a green hexagonal base, robed in full court dress and wearing a formal Qing hat surmounted by a tiered finial. One wears an imperial yellow robe, the other a deep cobalt-blue robe, each decorated with front-facing dragon roundels chasing the flaming pearl, cloud collars, and a lower border of li shui diagonal wave stripes above the standing-water band. Both wear long court bead necklaces and hold a ruyi sceptre, the traditional symbol of authority and good fortune. The faces are individually modelled and hand-painted, with distinct expressions, and the robes are painted in polychrome enamels over a white porcelain body. The quality of the modelling and enamel work throughout is high, with crisp definition to the dragon roundels, the beadwork and the hands.

The underside of each figure bears an impressed eight-character seal mark reading 福建會館游長子造 (Fújiàn Huìguǎn Yóu Chángzǐ zào), "Made by You Changzi at the Fujian Guild Hall". The Fujian Huiguan was an association of Fujianese craftsmen working in Jingdezhen, and this eight-character mark is recorded on figural sculpture from that group. A smaller adjacent stamp reads 中國, "China".

Dimensions. Yellow figure: height 56 cm; width 16 cm; depth 13.5 cm; weight 4539 g. Blue figure: height 54 cm; width 15.2 cm; depth 13.3 cm; weight 4169 g.

Condition: both figures are in excellent condition, with light surface soiling only. No breaks, restoration, repainting or cracks. Both examined under UV light. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.