F6 A biscuit enameled figure of Zhang Xian, Kangxi

Description

Description:   Chinese Early Qing dynasty statue of Zhang Xian, biscuit glazed, represented while shooting toward the sky.

Dating:  18^th century

Size:  17.2 cm high

Provenance:  Antiquarian market.

References:  See last two pictures, a scroll and a vase with the same subject. We have not found ceramic statues.

Notes:  From Wikipedia:

“Zhang Xian (Chinese: 張仙) is a Chinese god who is the enemy of the tiangou (Chinese: 天狗 lit. ‘Heavenly Dog’), a legendary creature in the form of a dog who creates eclipses. It is said that he protects his children from the dog with his bow and arrows. He is often depicted aiming at the sky, waiting for the beast to appear. He is the god of birth and the protector of male children. Many sought him to give them male offspring and to protect their living children sons”.