Mud Man Fisherman Appraisal

Glazed Mud Man Fisherman Figurine in Boat

This is a vintage Chinese 'Mud Man' ceramic figurine depicting a fisherman seated in a narrow sampan boat. The piece is crafted from a sandy, light-colored clay typically associated with the Shekwan (Shiwan) kilns of the mid-20th century. The central figure wears a traditional wide-brimmed conical hat with a cream-colored glaze and is draped in heavy, multi-layered robes featuring deep oxblood red and emerald green lead-based glazes. His face and hands are left unglazed to showcase the natural texture and color of the clay, a hallmark of traditional mud man craftsmanship. The boat measures approximately 10 to 12 inches in length and includes molded details such as a steering oar at the bow and a textured, woven-style canopy (awning) at the stern. Noteworthy conditions include significant visible damage to the stern of the boat where a large white structural repair or adhesive residue is visible beneath the canopy, indicating a previous break. The glazed surfaces show moderate crazing and minor flaking consistent with age. There are no visible maker's marks or stamps in the current view, but these items were typically hand-modeled and mass-exported between the 1950s and 1970s. The expressive facial features and heavy application of glaze indicate a mid-century decorative export quality.