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Carved and Painted Chinese Tea Shop Figure,

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:10.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Carved and Painted Chinese Tea Shop Figure,
American, last quarter 19th century, constructed of laminated pine. A representation of a Chinese man wearing a tunic, trousers and skullcap, holding a vial and standing on a rectangular plinth. In a vibrant polychrome painted surface (appears to be second or third paint); 63" overall height.

These figures were typically used as advertising at herb and tea shops of the period and were produced in lesser numbers than Cigar Store Indians. See Hornung, Treasury of American Antiques, plate 92, for an identical example.

Condition: Expected age cracks and wear.

Provenance: Sold previously, Cowan's, Spring Americana: Fine and Decorative Art, June 23, 2007, Lot 386.