Blue And White Porcelain Child With Koi Sculpture Appraisal

Blue and White Porcelain Child with Koi Sculpture

This item is a ceramic sculpture depicting a young child, likely a boy, intimately embracing or riding a large koi fish. The piece is rendered in classic blue and white porcelain, typical of Chinese decorative arts. The child's skin is a smooth, unadorned white glaze, while his clothing, hair, and the koi fish feature intricate blue patterns against a white background. The child wears a traditional robe or tunic adorned with geometric borders on the sleeves and collar, and what appear to be stylized bat or cloud motifs on the main body of the garment. His hair is styled with a topknot, also decorated in blue. The facial features are delicately painted with fine blue lines for the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth, conveying a serene and somewhat playful expression. The koi fish is predominantly blue with scales detailed in a darker, more intense blue, and sections of lighter blue for its fins and tail. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high level of skill in porcelain molding and hand-painting. The sculpture rests on what appears to be a separate, but integrated, base molded to represent a stylized lotus pad or cushion, which is painted in a vibrant orange hue. There are no immediately obvious condition issues like chips or cracks visible in the provided image. The glossy finish of the glaze indicates well-preserved condition. The style is indicative of traditional Chinese porcelain figures, possibly late 19th to mid-20th century, though dating without maker's marks or more context is challenging. The combination of the child and koi often symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and good fortune in East Asian cultures. The scale of the item is difficult to determine precisely without reference, but it appears to be a substantial decorative piece, likely a tabletop or mantel ornament. The quality of the hand-painted details and the smooth, consistent glaze are strong indicators of its craftsmanship.