Statue of a dignitary. China, 20th century.

Figure of a dignitary. China, 20th century.
Jadeite.
Measurements: 74 x 30 x 16 cm.

The figure holds a traditional gold ingot (sycee or yuanbao) in its left hand, the primary symbol of abundance, fortune, and prosperity in Chinese culture. He wears the formal ceremonial robe (guanfu) typical of high-ranking magistrates or deities of the Chinese pantheon, adorned at the waist with a sun disc rising above the waves of the sea. On his head, he wears the characteristic rigid official’s hat (futou) with side flaps.
He has a dignified and venerable face with a long beard divided into stylized locks. The sculpture is carved from a solid block of hard stone in moss-green tones with dark hues, highlighting the symmetrical presence and monumental solemnity of the upright figure.