Chinese Ming dynasty figure of Fukurokuju

This polychrome white porcelain figure of Fukurokuju is modelled with an enlarged forehead, long white beard and a flowing yellow robe with fret-motif borders and sash. He holds a green fruit in his right hand and a gnarled walking stick in his left. Fukurokuju was a famous sage of wisdom, wealth and long life. He stands erect, wearing formal robes with splendid fret brocade, has an unusually high bald forehead and a long white beard, as symbol of his longevity. His left hand grasps his emblematic staff, made of a gnarled peach branch, while his right hand holds the fruit of knowledge. He probably originated from an old Chinese tale about a mythical Taoist Chinese hermit sage (Song dynasty) renowned for performing miracles. Mr Van Tilburg placed this figure in a darkened room and told visitors that the head had phosphor under the glaze and would glow when the light was switched off. When he did this and no one could see the glow, he would laugh and say: “It was written that only those who were pure of heart could see the glow”.Ceramic 10