Vintage Shiwan Wucai Chinese Porcelain Pottery Figurine Lady Holding Fish Signed

Details

Description

A Shiwan porcelain figure that depicts a classical Chinese lady seated gracefully on a rock, holding a slender wooden fishing … Read more A Shiwan porcelain figure that depicts a classical Chinese lady seated gracefully on a rock, holding a slender wooden fishing rod in her right hand while examining her golden catch in her left. A water bucket rests beside her, completing the charming fishing scene.

The figure is decorated in the Wucai (五彩), or “five-color,” enamel style, known for its vibrant contrasting glazes and colorful palette. Particularly appealing are the areas left unglazed, including the face and hands, which have a soft, matte finish that contrasts beautifully with the brightly enameled garments and accessories.

Produced in the renowned pottery center of Shiwan (Shekwan), Guangdong Province, China, during the early 1990s, this charming ceramic figure showcases the distinctive artistry of Shiwan pottery.

There is a calligraphic inscription painted in white on the rocky base that reads from right to left:左右逢源 (Zuǒ Yòu Féng Yuán): This is a classic Chinese idiom. Literally translating to "gaining resource or support from both left and right," it symbolically signifies that a person is highly resourceful, handles situations smoothly, or enjoys a steady stream of success from multiple sources. 林伟东手 (Lín Wěidōng Shǒu): Translates to "By the hand of Lin Weidong," functioning as the artist’s direct signature .裂（製）精品 (Zhì Jīngpǐn): Translates to "Exquisite/Premium Production.

To the left of the calligraphy, there is an impressed square red seal mark. It matches the artist's name, containing the stylized seal script characters 林伟东印 (Lín Wěidōng Yìn), meaning "Seal of Lin Weidong", a modern Chinese ceramic master.

Provenance: From the estate of Dr. Andres Onate, former Dean of East Asian Studies at the University of Arizona. Dr. Onate served in China for the US State Department in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s. This item was purchased during his second tour in the early 1990s.

MEASUREMENTS
7 ½ in wide x 4 ¼ in deep x 9 3/8 in tall. Weighs 1 lb. 14.7 oz.

CONDITION
The figure has no chips but 3 fingers broke off on the hand that holds the fish. The enamels on the toe of her shoe, the stump she’s sitting on, and a few places on her black hair are very thin. I believe this is the way it was painted and not due to wear. Although the point of the spear is pointing the wrong way (the larger end won’t fit in her hand), I believe this is the original spear.

With its colorful Wucai decoration, charming fishing scene, meaningful calligraphy, and signed seal of artist Lin Weidong, this distinctive Shiwan figure is a wonderful example of late 20th-century Chinese ceramic artistry and an appealing addition to any collection of Chinese pottery. See less