Description: LIU HAI RIDING THE TOAD China, Qing dynasty, late 17th-18th Century Stoneware painted with iron oxide over the glaze. White translucent crackled glaze with bluish highlights. Liu Hai is holding the toad with his hands under its throat. On the reverse, in addition to the backof the toad, threeof its legs are visible, symbol of the moon in ancient China. The wooden base is finely carved with landscapes, rocks, trees, and flowers. A crack travels along the back of the human figure to the right and the central figure, and on the face of both. Height 6.30 in. (base included)