Beautiful Antique Chinese Peasant Figure, Hand Carved Ivory. Circa 1900.

This attractive hand- carved bone figure comes from China and is an antique piece, made between the late 19th century and the early 20th century. It depicts a traditional countryman as they are described in classic literature and reflected in many works of art. The figure is made of hand-carved bone, performed with great attention to detail and an unmistakable skill. The countryman, an old man dressed in a simple way, shows a relaxed face carved in a very realistic manner. He is walking on a small wooden base that has four curved legs.The countryman theme is very popular in Chinese art. These characters are usually dressed in humble clothes and carry bundles or baskets as a symbol of their social class. They are often elder men whose relaxed and venerable faces reflect their wisdom. This particular figure shows all these features: the man is dressed with simple country clothes carved in a realistic way, with all their folds. He is wearing clogs and holds a flowery bamboo branch. A basket hangs from his left arm and his head is covered by a scarf.This sculpture is performed in a very realistic and remarkable way. The clothes are depicted with an impressive perfection, from the folds of the shirt to the scarfs knot. The countrymans face is wonderful: his expression reflects perfectly his old age, his mood (relaxed, almost smiling) and the wisdom that he has acquired with the trace of time. His head, face and the basket he is carrying are enhanced with very slim strokes of black ink that highlight some features such as the hair, the eyebrows of the wicker. The base is made of finely molded wood covered by a dark mahogany finish.This delicate hand-carved bone figure is a small work of art more than one hundred years old: a very decorative and original piece.Measurements: Width: 2.5 in/6.5 cm. Height: 10.6 in/27 cm.