1850-1890 Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Bronze Seal Finial – Liu Haichan Riding the Three-Legged Money Toad

$425.00
A finely cast solid bronze figure of Liu Haichan (Liu Hai), the beloved Daoist immortal associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, dating to the late Qing Dynasty, circa 1850–1890. The smiling immortal is depicted astride the legendary three-legged money toad (Jin Chan), holding aloft a curved rod threaded with two freely moving Chinese cash coins, a classic attribute referring to the legend of Liu Hai luring the magical toad with a string of coins. The movable coins remain intact and function as originally intended, an increasingly uncommon survival. The bronze is a solid, heavy casting with excellent age patina, displaying warm brown surfaces, naturally developed verdigris in the recesses, and honest wear from generations of handling. The expressive, folk-inspired modeling is characteristic of scholar's desk objects produced during the late Qing period. Originally mounted as a seal or seal finial, the separate seal element is no longer present, leaving the sculptural figure as a striking standalone work of Chinese bronze art. The underside exhibits age and wear consistent with the loss of the original seal component. A wonderful example of traditional Chinese scholar's art combining Daoist symbolism, decorative craftsmanship, and auspicious imagery. Dimensions: Height: 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) Base: 1.25 × 1.25 inches (3.2 × 3.2 cm) Weight: 164 grams Condition Very good antique condition. Rich, untouched patina with expected wear and oxidation consistent with age. The original attached seal portion is absent. The three movable cash coins remain present and freely suspended from the rod. No evidence of modern repair noted. A charming and highly decorative Qing Dynasty bronze, equally appealing to collectors of Chinese bronzes, Daoist iconography, and scholar's objects. Check out some of my other antiques: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
A finely cast solid bronze figure of Liu Haichan (Liu Hai), the beloved Daoist immortal associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, dating to the late Qing Dynasty, circa 1850–1890. The smiling immortal is depicted astride the legendary three-legged money toad (Jin Chan), holding aloft a curved rod threaded with two freely moving Chinese cash coins, a classic attribute referring to the legend of Liu Hai luring the magical toad with a string of coins. The movable coins remain intact and function as originally intended, an increasingly uncommon survival. The bronze is a solid, heavy casting with excellent age patina, displaying warm brown surfaces, naturally developed verdigris in the recesses, and honest wear from generations of handling. The expressive, folk-inspired modeling is characteristic of scholar's desk objects produced during the late Qing period. Originally mounted as a seal or seal finial, the separate seal element is no longer present, leaving the sculptural figure as a striking standalone work of Chinese bronze art. The underside exhibits age and wear consistent with the loss of the original seal component. A wonderful example of traditional Chinese scholar's art combining Daoist symbolism, decorative craftsmanship, and auspicious imagery. Dimensions: Height: 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) Base: 1.25 × 1.25 inches (3.2 × 3.2 cm) Weight: 164 grams Condition Very good antique condition. Rich, untouched patina with expected wear and oxidation consistent with age. The original attached seal portion is absent. The three movable cash coins remain present and freely suspended from the rod. No evidence of modern repair noted. A charming and highly decorative Qing Dynasty bronze, equally appealing to collectors of Chinese bronzes, Daoist iconography, and scholar's objects. Check out some of my other antiques: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP