Page 201 - Chinese porcelains collected by Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Taft, Cincinnati, Ohio, by John Getz
P. 201
CHINESE PORCELAINS
No. 58
Cabinet Figure (seated statue) of Kuan Yii, sometimes called Kuan-ti, or
"God of War," brilliantly decorated "sur biscuit" in transparent glazes.
This idol is a deified hero of the civil wars (third century A.D.). Usually with a
slightly frowning mien, he is represented here with dignified features, long whiskers, and
mustaches of real hair. The coat of mail is shown in biscuit form and partly visible at
the chest, under a green glazed robe, that is embellished with yellow and light-purple
(manganese) dragon and arabesques, including large mask on the front. The face, hands,
and feet are reserved in biscuit form.
The open pedestal is partly in biscuit, and enameled in three distinct glazes of the
early " famille verte " colors ; a finely executed diaper design with flowering in the forni
of brocaded silk.
Ascribed to a late period of the Mings.
Height, 1 1 inches.
Width, 5 inches.
Depth, 3 inches.
751
