A Pair of Turquoise-Glazed Biscuit 'Toad' Jardinières

清康熙 孔雀藍釉金蟾一對\

China, Kangxi period (1662-1722), Qing dynasty

These vibrant turquoise-glazed ceramic toads feature broad, squat bodies with highly textured skin defined by raised, tactile "warts." The figures are modelled with expressive, wide-open mouths that serve as functional apertures, while their prominent, black-glazed eyes add a sense of lifelike character to the form. Finished in a high-gloss turquoise glaze, the pieces exhibit a rich, saturated colour that accentuates their rounded proportions and sturdy, webbed feet.

Similar animal figures were highly sought after by European collectors, who often displayed them as whimsical "follies" or mounted them in gilded bronze to suit the opulent tastes of the period.