19th/20th century
The meticulously detailed figures are shown in mirror image standing on a pierced rock base, each wearing a ruyi-shaped cape over long flowing robes and floral headdress fastened at her high chignon. Loosely billowing ribbons are draped around their shoulders and falling in waves on the ground. They are holding a lingzhi, the fungus of immortality, in one hand, the other hand is held up, the fingers with characteristic long nails. A deer is standing beside her, looking up and carrying a basket of auspicious fruits and flowers on its back.
Height of each 41.8 cm
Magu 麻姑 (Lit. 'hemp maiden') is a Daoist Goddess of Immortality, depicted as a beautiful young girl accompanied by a deer and sometimes with a crane. She is believed to provide longevity and achieve health and happiness. As her name indicates Magu is associated with hemp which is believed to be a sacred plant.
SIngle figures of Magu with deer are known, but it is very rare to find a pair in mirror image.
A similar figure is illustrated by Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London 1969, Pl. 158
A figure of Magu and deer by the artist Su Xuejin (early 20th century) is in the Metropolitan Museum (Accession number 34.13)
Another figure of Magu was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, The Pavilion Sale, 4 October 2016, Lot 169
MF 41 十九∕二十世紀 德化窯 麻姑獻壽像一對
時代：19/20世紀
特徵：麻姑手持靈芝，立於岩上，衣袍上配有如意形披肩。旁有瑞鹿背著一籃花果，昂首凝望麻姑。
尺寸：高41.8公分。
