Lot 1407. A polychrome-enameled and biscuit figure of a seated luohan, impressed seal of Zeng Longsheng, Republic period; 16 in. (40.6 cm.) high. Estimate USD 10,000 - USD 15,000. Price realised USD 37,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.
The figure is raised on an integral base decorated as a wooden stump, and shown seated in a crouching position with the left knee raised, and holding a string of prayer beads in the right hand. The cream and brown robe is gathered over one arm to reveal an orange under-garment decorated with roundels. A maker's mark, Zeng Longsheng, is stamped on the base.
Note: Zeng Longsheng (1901-1964) was a celebrated potter at the Jingdezhen kilns who specialized in figural sculptures. A complete set of the Eighteen Luohan by Zeng Longsheng, including a figure very similar to the present example, can be found in the collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong. The set was donated to the museum by Sir Kenneth Ping-fan Fung.
Another enameled and biscuit figure of a luohan by Zeng Longsheng sold at Christie's New York, 18-19 September 2014, lot 983.
An enameled and biscuit figure of luohan, seal of Zeng Longsheng, Republic period; 15½ in. (39.4 cm.) high. Sold for 62,500 USD at Christie's New York, 18th-19th September 2014, lot 983. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.
The smiling, bald figure is shown seated on an outcropping of rock gesturing towards a young boy emerging from a sack below. He wears layered robes enameled in brown, cream, green and iron red, while his head, hands, and chest, and the child are in painted biscuit. A maker's mark, Zeng Longsheng, is stamped on the base.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 13 - 14 September 2018