A Massive Chinese Rock Crystal Figure of an Immortal

A Massive Chinese Rock Crystal Figure of an Immortal, Qing Dynasty, 19th/20th century, 27.7cm. Depicted as a corpulent smiling old man and highly polished except for his flesh. He is shaven headed, with a top knot and long beard; his robes bound by a loose girdle, fall from the shoulders and arms in graceful folds, as he stands holding a peaches of immortality in each hand. He probably represents Shoulao, the God of Immortality, although he is generally shown with a preternaturally high forehead. Provenance The collection of H. S. Whitaker Esq. The Sparks' archive records 'one fine crystal figure' purchased by H. S. Whitaker on 23rd February 1907 for £225. The Hon. Mrs Mary Anna Marten OBE, Crichel House, Dorset. Purchased from Spink & Son, c.1950. Illustrated Chinese Porcelain and Hard Stones, Blacker & Gorer, Bernard Quaritch, London 1911, Volume II, pl.251. Chinese Art The Minor Arts II, Soame Jenyns, p.277, no.186. Catalogue Note Rock crystal derives its Chinese name shui ching (essence of water), from the traditional tale brought to China from the West and that rack crystal was produced from petrified water and the Wei Dynasty History and the Tang Dynasty History both indicate that the first knowledge of rock crystal came to China by way of Persia.