While depictions of boys were a popular theme in the Song dynasty, such large pottery figures as the present boy are extremely rare. The theme expresses the wish for many male children, and boys appear as decoration in every media, including qingbai and Yaozhou wares and as the figural base of pillows. Song-dynasty miniature pottery figures can also be found, such as a group of five Northern Song miniature red pottery boys in the Zhengjiang City Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo wenwu jinghua daquan: taocijuan (The Compendium of Chinese Archaeological Treasures: Ceramics Volume), Hong Kong, 1993, p. 171, no. 584. A rare miniature Ding figure of a boy from the Falk Collection was sold at Christie's New York, 16 October 2001.
The current life-size figure of a boy is extremely rare. A related pottery figure of a boy, also seated with the hands raised was offered at Sotheby's New York, 21 September 2005, lot 60. This related figure also wears with bracelets and an amulet at the neck, but is mollded and painted with clothing. Also compare to another pottery boy from the same period, with legs outstretched, see Christie's New York, 22/3/2024, lot 807.
When the present figure was included in the exhibition Children to Immortals: Figural Representations in Chinese Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, it was noted that "Song historical tests and archaeological discoveries indicate that this type of pottery doll (nihai'er), elaborately dressed with real clothes and jewelry, was made for the Qixi Festival (the seventh day of the seventh lunar month) and kept in people's homes to express the wish for many male children." (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/775525)
26cm high
Estimate $2,500 - $3,500
There is some damage to the necklace and bracelets. An old crack extends across the left hand, and another is visible to the reverse of the right arm, both possibly occurring during the firing process. There is also a firing-related chip to the reverse of the upper body, measuring approximately 1.5 x 2 cm. In addition, there are several further minor firing cracks throughout, otherwise, overall in good condition.
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Important Chinese & Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8825
11:00am - 25 October 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 22 - Sat 24 October, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
luke.guan@leonardjoel.com.au
SIMILAR ITEMS
Lot 14
A VERY RARE PAIR OF CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE AND GRISAILLE-DECORATED 'LANDSCAPE' STOOLS, YONGZHENG PERIOD (1723 - 1735)
Estimate: $100,000-200,000
Lot 112
A CHINESE HIGH-FIRED WHITE-GLAZED CUP, SUI DYNASTY (581-618)
Estimate: $50,000-80,000
Lot 134
AN EXTREMELY RARE CHINESE HUSHAN WARE OVOID PHOSPHATIC EWER, TANG DYNASTY, 8TH/9TH CENTURY
Estimate: $50,000-70,000
Lot 178
A CHINESE ARCHAIC BRONZE RITUAL VESSEL, ZUN, LATE SHANG/EARLY WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, 12TH-10TH CENTURY BCE
Estimate: $50,000-70,000