Chinese Shiwan Ceramics Mud Figure (Base)

This image shows the unglazed, flat ceramic base of a vintage Chinese Shiwan 'mud man' or ceramic figure, common in the mid-to-late 20th century. The material is a coarse, light-colored bisqueware or stoneware typical of the Guangdong province kilns. It features a prominent circular ventilation hole in the center, which is a functional necessity for hollow-cast ceramic pieces to prevent exploding during the firing process. A square, impressed potter's mark or seal is visible on the left side, containing Chinese characters that traditionally identify the kiln site, the studio, or the specific artist (often reading 'Zhongguo Shiwan' or 'China Shiwan'). The surface shows a rough, porous texture with minor kiln debris, tiny pitting, and slight surface scuffing consistent with age and shelf wear. There is a faint brownish rim visible at the very top edge, suggesting a glaze transition where the decorative portion of the figure begins. The lack of standardized precision in the seal and the irregular surface suggests a hand-finished, slip-cast traditional craft piece rather than a modern mass-produced item. The condition appears stable with no major cracks or chips visible on the underside, though there is general soiling and some particulate accumulation in the crevices of the impressed marks.