Dehua Appraisal

Dehua Blanc de Chine Figure of Guanyin Riding a Qilin

This is a white porcelain figurine, specifically in the Dehua 'Blanc de Chine' style, depicting a female deity—likely Guanyin—seated atop a mythical Qilin beast. The figure is characterized by a creamy, monolithic white glaze that covers the entire ceramic body. The female figure is dressed in flowing traditional robes with intricate folds and her hair is styled in a high top-knot bun. The mythical Qilin features a wide, expressive face with an open mouth, curled mane, and a feathered tail, classic to Chinese mythological depictions. The base of the sculpture shows decorative scrolling clouds or waves, suggesting a divine or celestial realm. The craftsmanship highlights detailed molding in the facial features and the texture of the beast. In terms of condition, there is a visible chip or breakage on the lower front right corner of the base, and some surface grime or dust is present in the crevices of the glaze. This style of porcelain originated in the Fujian province and reached its peak popularity during the Ming and Qing dynasties; however, this specific piece appears to be a 20th-century decorative export-ware reproduction based on the sharpness of the molding and glaze consistency. There are no maker's marks visible on the front, though such pieces often have impressed gourde shaped stamps on the reverse.