A Chinese Shiwan style glazed clay Mudman figurine of a seated sage

This Chinese Mudman figurine is crafted from hand-finished clay and depicts an elderly male figure, possibly a sage or fisherman, in a seated cross-legged position. The figure is characterised by a long, pointed white beard and moustache, wearing a wide conical hat and a turquoise-glazed robe with white trousers. The face and hands remain unglazed, showing the natural buff colour of the clay to provide a realistic texture. The hat and a small vessel beside the figure are finished in a glossy caramel-brown glaze. The figure holds a small cylindrical object in his right hand. This style of ceramic is typical of Shiwan ware produced for the export market during the late 19th to mid-20th century.