Ceramic Zodiac Figures. Below are some examples of ceramic figures which represent the zodiac signs and other astrological allegories including a Chinese figure of “The Rat” and a Bristol Porcelain Factory figure representing Summer.
Zodiac Figure: Rat 18th century China
Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Figure, in hard-paste porcelain painted in enamels, of Summer represented by young man clad in yellow-lined flowered drapery secured by a band passing over his shoulder on which are the zodiac signs; he holds a pair of shears in his right hand with which he is about to shear a ram lying with its legs bound on a green mound, beside which is a keg; he stands on an irregularly shaped base
Bristol porcelain factory (manufacturer)
1772-1775 (modelled)
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
A group of twelve pottery mortuary zodiac figures Tang Dynasty Each standing robed figure fashioned to represent a different animal of the zodiac, including a rooster, dragon, snake, horse, pig, ox, goat, monkey, rat, dog, tiger and rabbit, all humorously rendered with painted details (restorations). Average height 11in (27.9cm)
Sold for US$ 8,812 (£ 6,784) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2005
THREE RARE SANCAI-GLAZED AND PAINTED POTTERY ZODIAC FIGURES TANG DYNASTY (618-907) Depicting the dragon, dog and tiger, the body of each modelled as a courtier wearing layered robes, their hands clasped in a fist and held one above the other at the waist, their unglazed heads with features detailed in red, black and white pigments 10 7/8 in. (27.7 cm.) high, three wood stands
Sold for USD 17,925 at Christie’s in 2004
Two Chinese Qingbai Celadon Glazed Pottery Zodiac Figures Song Dynasty Each figure modeled standing dressed in long robes with loose sleeves with pierced cuffs, the figures looking straight ahead wearing ribbed caps, the hands held at the waist, one holding a dog’s head, the other holding the head of a dragon, overall light gray celadon glaze. Height 8 1/2 inches (21.6 cm).
Sold for $4,200 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2005
Wedgewood glazed figure of a bull decorated with zodiac signs bearing the Wedgewood mark Barlaston England 16” Long
Sold for €110 at Victor Mee Auctions in 2019
