A 'BLANC-DE-CHINE' DEHUA FIGURE GROUP OF WEN CHANG AND KUI XING, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

standing on clouds rising above waves, the deity wearing flowing robes, tied with a long tasselled cord around the waist, his head covered with a cloth cap tied with a long sash falling over his shoulders, his face with well defined features in a slight smile and pierced for hair attachment, his assistant with left arm clasping him around the waist and his right extended in protection, his demon like face with heavy brows, staring eyes and his mouth open showing his fangs, wearing a jacket over pantaloons tied at the ankles and with lingzhi fungus sprigs at his waist, the back with incised inscription

Wen Chang: frits to tips of head scarf; right hand missing (replacement hand smaller); two small chips to hem of robe Kui Xing: tips of top knot and ear tufts chipped; chip approximately 1 cm on underside of leg armour, minor frits. Firing cracks on base extending onto exterior
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription possibly reads 'a precious object made by Lin ...'

Kui Xing the god of examinations was worshipped by scholars taking the Imperial examinations, he was assigned to assist Wen Chang the god of literature