Shiwan Glazed Ceramic Figurine of a Water Carrier

This is a polychrome glazed ceramic figurine depicting a Chinese water carrier, likely originating from the Shiwan kilns of Guangdong province. The figure is an adult female wearing a traditional teal-green glazed tunic with yellow trim and yellow-mustard trousers. She is depicted barefoot on a dark, rocky base, carrying two wooden-textured buckets suspended from a dark grey or black yoke. The piece is constructed from a heavy stoneware clay. While most of the figure is finished with a glossy glaze, the face and feet appear to be left unglazed (bisque) to achieve a matte, flesh-like appearance, a hallmark of Shiwan pottery from the mid-20th century. The facial features are delicately modeled with thin brows and a serene expression. In terms of condition, the piece has significant visible damage: the figure's left arm is broken off at the forearm, and the top handle/structure of the right-hand bucket (viewer's right) is also severely chipped or broken. There are signs of surface wear and dust accumulation consistent with a vintage item approximately 50-70 years old. Despite the damage, the remaining glaze is vibrant and demonstrates a high level of traditional craftsmanship in the realistic texturing of the 'wooden' buckets.