{"product_id":"mudman-shiwan-pottery-selfless-child-figure","title":"Mudman | Shiwan Pottery Selfless Child figure","description":"\u003cp\u003eMudman | Shiwan Pottery China\u003cbr\u003eJapanese Selfless Child figure\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ec.1960\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a Chinese incantation of a figure modelled on \"Selflessness,\" a very famous Japanese style painting of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeiji Period in Japan (1897) - the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePainter was Yokoyama Taikan. The painting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e titled \"Muga (Selflessness),\" depicts a child with rounded cheeks like a baby Buddha, who stands at the riverside, wearing a too-large cloth and Japanese sandals. The title \"Muga\" means attaining spiritual enlightenment in the word of Zen. In expressing Muga, Taikan depicted an innocent child instead of Buddha or high priests as many others did. This innovative idea led the 29-year-old Taikan to great success. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApprox 26cms (10\") tall\u003cbr\u003eApprox 14cms (5 1\/2\") wide\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn excellent condition\u003cbr\u003eGUARANTEED free from damage and repair\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShiwan Pottery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShiwan pottery, or Shiwan ware (石灣窯), is a celebrated type of traditional Chinese stoneware originating from Foshan, Guangdong, dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties. Known for its rustic charm, vivid glazes (especially blues, greens, and flambé), and realistic, detailed figurines—often called \"mudmen\"—it represents a significant, artistic form of folk ceramics, distinguished by its durable, almost stone-like, quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe History of Mudman figures\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMudmen figurines, those charming little figures often found nestled among the roots of a bonsai tree, are more than just bonsai accessories. They represent a rich tapestry of Chinese folk art, blending centuries of tradition with playful artistry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe art of Chinese Mudmen figurines continued to evolve through subsequent dynasties, reflecting changing artistic styles and cultural influences, commencing in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Cottage Industry to Global Export\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMudmen figurines became a vital source of income for villagers, particularly after rice harvests. Families would gather to craft these figures, transforming their homes into miniature workshops. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese pottery figures had become popular export items, prized by collectors worldwide. However, World War II disrupted this trade, and the destruction of original moulds and kilns led to a decline in production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roundabout Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49215965331684,"sku":"RA-0013352_C","price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/9528\/7908\/files\/mudman_child_1a.jpg?v=1782255420","url":"https:\/\/roundaboutantiques.com.au\/products\/mudman-shiwan-pottery-selfless-child-figure","provider":"Roundabout Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}