Chinese Glazed Ceramic Figure of the Laughing Monk | Antique Folk Religious Sculpture | Circa 1880–1930

$600.00
$600.00
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  • Chinese glazed terracotta figure of the eccentric monk Jigong with vine leaves and gourds, late Qing Dynasty.
  • 360-degree view of a Chinese glazed terracotta figure depicting the eccentric Buddhist monk Jigong with vine leaves, gourds, and earthy green and amber glazes.
  • Antique Chinese ceramic sculpture of the Mad Monk Jigong seated with vine leaf robe and gourd vessels.
  • Chinese Buddhist terracotta statue of Jigong with green and amber glaze, late Qing to Republic period.
  • Expressive Chinese glazed ceramic figure depicting Jigong the wandering monk.
  • Antique Chinese temple sculpture of Jigong with naturalistic vine leaves and gourds.
  • Chinese ceramic figure of Jigong the Mad Monk seated on rocky base with mottled glaze.
  • Late Qing Dynasty Chinese glazed terracotta statue of the folkloric monk Jigong.
  • Chinese Buddhist folklore figure Jigong with gourd vessels and flowing vine leaves.
  • Antique Chinese ceramic statue of Jigong with expressive face and earthy glaze tones.
  • Historic Chinese terracotta sculpture of Jigong the wandering Buddhist monk.
  • Chinese glazed pottery statue of Jigong with vine leaf cloak and gourd attributes.
  • Late Qing Chinese ceramic devotional figure depicting Jigong the compassionate Mad Monk.
  • Chinese terracotta sculpture of Jigong with humorous expression and green amber glaze.
  • Antique Chinese Buddhist folk figure of Jigong seated with gourds and vine leaves.
Chinese glazed terracotta figure of the eccentric monk Jigong with vine leaves and gourds, late Qing Dynasty.
360-degree view of a Chinese glazed terracotta figure depicting the eccentric Buddhist monk Jigong with vine leaves, gourds, and earthy green and amber glazes.
Antique Chinese ceramic sculpture of the Mad Monk Jigong seated with vine leaf robe and gourd vessels.
Chinese Buddhist terracotta statue of Jigong with green and amber glaze, late Qing to Republic period.
Expressive Chinese glazed ceramic figure depicting Jigong the wandering monk.
Antique Chinese temple sculpture of Jigong with naturalistic vine leaves and gourds.
Chinese ceramic figure of Jigong the Mad Monk seated on rocky base with mottled glaze.
Late Qing Dynasty Chinese glazed terracotta statue of the folkloric monk Jigong.
Chinese Buddhist folklore figure Jigong with gourd vessels and flowing vine leaves.
Antique Chinese ceramic statue of Jigong with expressive face and earthy glaze tones.
Historic Chinese terracotta sculpture of Jigong the wandering Buddhist monk.
Chinese glazed pottery statue of Jigong with vine leaf cloak and gourd attributes.
Late Qing Chinese ceramic devotional figure depicting Jigong the compassionate Mad Monk.
Chinese terracotta sculpture of Jigong with humorous expression and green amber glaze.
Antique Chinese Buddhist folk figure of Jigong seated with gourds and vine leaves.
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Chinese Glazed Ceramic Figure of the Laughing Monk | Antique Folk Religious Sculpture | Circa 1880–1930

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Glazed terracotta / ceramic
Period: Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, circa 1880–1930

Description

This expressive Chinese glazed terracotta sculpture depicts the legendary eccentric monk Jigong (Ji Gong), one of the most beloved figures in Chinese Buddhist folklore. Known as the “Mad Monk,” Jigong was a wandering Chan Buddhist monk celebrated for his compassion, humor, and miraculous acts performed while living as a humble beggar.

The figure is portrayed seated upon a rocky base, his thin ascetic body leaning forward with an animated expression and mischievous smile. His head tilts playfully to the side, emphasizing his lively personality and unconventional character. A short beard and expressive facial features are carefully sculpted, capturing the folkloric representation of the wandering monk.

Across his shoulders and body drape large naturalistic vine leaves rendered in flowing relief and finished with mottled green and amber glazes. Several gourd vessels appear along the figure’s side and back—traditional attributes associated with wandering monks and Daoist immortals, symbolizing medicine, spiritual power, and the containment of magical elixirs.

The sculpture displays a rich palette of earthy browns, greens, and amber tones produced through traditional Chinese ceramic glazing techniques. The hollow underside indicates kiln-fired production typical of larger ceramic temple or decorative figures.

Such figures were commonly produced for temple display, scholar’s studios, and domestic altars, celebrating Jigong’s role as a protector of the poor and a humorous embodiment of enlightened wisdom.

Features

- Animated depiction of the legendary monk Jigong

- Naturalistic vine leaves and gourd motifs symbolizing immortality and spiritual power

- Rich multi-tone ceramic glazing in green, amber, and brown

- Expressive facial carving with humorous folkloric character

- Hollow kiln-fired construction typical of late Qing ceramic sculpture

Cultural Significance

Jigong (1130–1209) was a real historical Buddhist monk from the Southern Song Dynasty whose unconventional lifestyle made him a legendary figure throughout Chinese folklore. Though often depicted as disheveled and humorous, he was believed to possess supernatural powers and was revered for helping the poor and performing miracles.

Statues of Jigong became especially popular during the Qing Dynasty and early Republic period, when his story was widely celebrated in folk religion, opera, and literature. His image symbolizes compassion, humor, spiritual wisdom, and the idea that enlightenment may appear in unexpected forms.

Condition

Very good antique condition with expected age-related wear. Minor glaze irregularities and surface variations consistent with kiln-fired ceramic production. No major structural damage observed.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 12.5 in
Width: 9.5 in
Depth: 7.5 in

Age (Approximate)

95–145 years old

Learn More

Learn about the legendary monk Jigong through Tsem Rinpoche

Explore our curated Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics Collection

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Glazed terracotta / ceramic
Period: Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, circa 1880–1930

Description

This expressive Chinese glazed terracotta sculpture depicts the legendary eccentric monk Jigong (Ji Gong), one of the most beloved figures in Chinese Buddhist folklore. Known as the “Mad Monk,” Jigong was a wandering Chan Buddhist monk celebrated for his compassion, humor, and miraculous acts performed while living as a humble beggar.

The figure is portrayed seated upon a rocky base, his thin ascetic body leaning forward with an animated expression and mischievous smile. His head tilts playfully to the side, emphasizing his lively personality and unconventional character. A short beard and expressive facial features are carefully sculpted, capturing the folkloric representation of the wandering monk.

Across his shoulders and body drape large naturalistic vine leaves rendered in flowing relief and finished with mottled green and amber glazes. Several gourd vessels appear along the figure’s side and back—traditional attributes associated with wandering monks and Daoist immortals, symbolizing medicine, spiritual power, and the containment of magical elixirs.

The sculpture displays a rich palette of earthy browns, greens, and amber tones produced through traditional Chinese ceramic glazing techniques. The hollow underside indicates kiln-fired production typical of larger ceramic temple or decorative figures.

Such figures were commonly produced for temple display, scholar’s studios, and domestic altars, celebrating Jigong’s role as a protector of the poor and a humorous embodiment of enlightened wisdom.

Features

- Animated depiction of the legendary monk Jigong

- Naturalistic vine leaves and gourd motifs symbolizing immortality and spiritual power

- Rich multi-tone ceramic glazing in green, amber, and brown

- Expressive facial carving with humorous folkloric character

- Hollow kiln-fired construction typical of late Qing ceramic sculpture

Cultural Significance

Jigong (1130–1209) was a real historical Buddhist monk from the Southern Song Dynasty whose unconventional lifestyle made him a legendary figure throughout Chinese folklore. Though often depicted as disheveled and humorous, he was believed to possess supernatural powers and was revered for helping the poor and performing miracles.

Statues of Jigong became especially popular during the Qing Dynasty and early Republic period, when his story was widely celebrated in folk religion, opera, and literature. His image symbolizes compassion, humor, spiritual wisdom, and the idea that enlightenment may appear in unexpected forms.

Condition

Very good antique condition with expected age-related wear. Minor glaze irregularities and surface variations consistent with kiln-fired ceramic production. No major structural damage observed.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 12.5 in
Width: 9.5 in
Depth: 7.5 in

Age (Approximate)

95–145 years old

Learn More

Learn about the legendary monk Jigong through Tsem Rinpoche

Explore our curated Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics Collection

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