I have a small collection of Chinese (Shekwan) "mud figures" that my grandfather collected. I love how wise they look and each is different and holding something like bread, a fish, a water jug, or a staff. I thought it would be fun to do something with them. This is my first try. This one is "standing" in front of one of my photos (actually taken in Northport, Maine) that I felt had an Asian feel to it and which is being displayed on my computer behind him http://www.pbase.com/laura_sebastianelli/image/88776338/medium). Then I colorized the photo and saturated it.

I never knew much about these figures other than they were popular imports in the early 1900s. Then just this evening, I found a link on the internet from a collector http://www.edensong.com/mud_men_figures.htm) It said:

"Over 1000 years ago, Chinese artisans during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), were creating landscape bonsai, miniature landscapes in a tray, a practice known as Pen'Jing. To capture the realism of a favorite countryside or mountain scenic view, the artists added rocks and planted small trees in a large ceramic tray to simulate the panorama on a smaller scale. These were intended to invoke a harmonious feeling to the viewers." In an effort to capture the illusion, the Chinese artisans used figurines of people, animals, huts and temples, which gave an appearance of great age and size to the miniature forests. Figurines have had a place in bonsai as a visual contribution. Pen'Jing, nearly a lost art form, is experiencing a revival in modern day China and is once again popular with Chinese bonsai enthusiasts.

The prosperous Manchurian Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1912) began declining at the end of the 18th century. The successful export market for fine china was impaired by excessive competition for the wares. Pottery and figurines dominated the Chinese export trade well into the next century. Mud figures thrived, as they were different from ordinary figurines. They were made individually by hand and involved nearly all members of the village. Mudmen were brightly glazed figurines of men, women, wise men and old sages, seated or standing, holding flutes, scrolls, pots, fish and other objects of mystical importance or sometimes fishing. After completion of the rice harvest and the dry season set in, villagers turned to figurine production to stimulate the economy."

I smile with amusement tonight, they are being used just as they were intended -- "to invoke a harmonious feeling to the viewers" but today in a digital photograph instead of a bonsai arrangement.

Anyway, just playing around....(as usual).