Based Figure with Offering Plate

He holds his dish out at waist height, patient as a waiter.

This based figure with offering plate dates to the 20th century and is carved from wood. Figures holding bowls or dishes appear in many carving traditions, where the open vessel is usually read as a gesture of giving or receiving. A slender figure sits upright with arms tucked close to the body, the head small and smooth with a straight nose. A round shallow dish projects from the lap. The whole piece rises from a rough square block, its surface a warm reddish brown with visible tool marks. It is 5 inches wide and 13.75 high.

Small figure, generous posture.