Blanc de Chine Porcelain Figurine of Laozi on a Water Buffalo

This is a white glazed porcelain figurine, likely manufactured in the Blanc de Chine (Dehua) style, depicting a traditional Chinese figure - possibly the philosopher Laozi or a boy - riding atop a water buffalo. The piece is characterized by a creamy, high-gloss white glaze that covers the entire surface of the ceramic. The sculpture shows a figure positioned mid-ride with one arm raised and flowing robes, suggesting movement. The water buffalo is depicted in a reclining or steady pose, with a saddle cloth draped over its back featuring simple recessed borders. The base appears to represent rocky or uneven terrain with subtle circular indentations. From this rear perspective, the craftsmanship shows soft, rounded modeling typical of mid-20th-century reproductions of classical Dehua ware rather than the crisp, sharp detailing of 17th or 18th-century originals. Condition-wise, the glaze shows significant pitting and pinholes (crawling), which may indicate a less-than-perfect firing process. There is visible wear and slight discoloration along the bottom edge where the piece meets the surface, suggesting some age, though the lack of a visible mark from this angle makes precise dating difficult. The overall style is consistent with decorative Chinoiserie exports produced in China or Japan during the mid-to-late 20th century.