Apothecary Sage Figurine Appraisal

Asian Sage or Fisherman Figurine

This item is a small, hand-painted ceramic or porcelain figurine depicting an elderly Asian man, likely a sage or fisherman, wearing a conical straw hat and traditional green robes. The figure is seated on what appears to be a section of a tree trunk or a textured, organic base, possibly representing a log or a rock. The hat is a muted yellowish-tan, and his robes are glazed in a deep, somewhat mottled olive green, suggesting a traditional aesthetic. The man's face and hands are rendered with noticeable detail, showing a long white beard, expressive facial features, and delicate fingers. One hand appears to be holding a small, slender object, possibly a fishing rod or a scroll, although its exact form is not clearly discernible from the image. The base on which he sits is textured and dark, possibly brown or black, with some lighter cream-colored sections visible, indicating either natural wood tones or deliberate distressing. The craftsmanship suggests it is a molded piece, possibly hand-finished and painted. The visible condition appears good, with no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs, though some minor paint wear or patina might be present given its age and material, which are difficult to ascertain precisely from the image. It likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, given the style and material commonly used for such decorative items. The quality of detail in the face and hands, combined with subtle color variations in the glaze, suggests a reasonable level of artisanal care in its production.