Lot 185. A 'Qingbai' group of Liu Hai and his toad, Yuan-early Ming dynasty. Height 6 3/4  in., 17.1 cm. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 USD. Lot sold 12,500 USD. © Sotheby's.

the immortal modeled seated on a rocky outcrop, holding a lingzhi sprig in the left hand, the other hand holding aloft a coin to lure the open-mouthed toad who emerges from foaming waves to the right, the base pierced at the back for the insertion of incense, wood stand (2).

Provenance: Acquired by a U.S. Civil Affairs Officer in Asia between 1945-1946 and thence by descent.