Wooden Chinese Figurine Age? Use?

Does anyone know anything about this wooden Chinese figurine? Age? Use?

It has something in it that rattles but doesn't seem to have any holes big enough
to put anything in. Must be an "old Chinese secret" how they got it in there.

It measures 5 & 1/2 inches.

 

He is probably Cai shen, a Chinese god of prosperity.


In his right hand he is holding a scepter known as a ruyi, symbolizing power and good fortune.

It looks like yours may be mold-made ceramic rather than wood. The small hole in the bottom would be made as a vent to release hot gases as the ceramic was fired. When the hole was punched in, the small pug of clay fell inside and remains as the rattling sound you hear.

 

Could be. I thought it was wood because it looks like some stain has fallen off a few tiny areas. It seems to have a wood tone underneath. The rattle also seem to have several tiny beads, almost like a rainstick.

 

Can you tell if it is hollow - how deep is the hole in the bottom?

 

Yes, it is partially hollow, I would say about 1/4 at most. The hole in the bottom is very narrow and looks like it could go to the center hollow.

 

I looked at it under a loop and those areas without stain look more like chips off a type of hard pottery.

 

Mystery solved.

 

Anyone have any ideas on age?

 

It is difficult to assign a date to such items. I don't believe there is anything unique about the technique or subject matter that would limit it to a particular time period.

 

could it be pre-1850?

 

I cannot help with that. At least you have a more accurate description of it now.

Perhaps @blooey might have some insights.

 

No, afraid nothing to add other than it isn't typically any export ware I'm familiar with - I'd guess it would be 20thc, maybe part of a business or household shrine.

 

looks like it's head cracked off ...or is going to,...

 

Yes, it has some surface cracks in the front but they are not on the back.

 

If he represents prosperity and good fortune... put him in a prominent place in your home or office!