This is quite rare, and highly collectible. Nowadays collecting mudmen has become increasingly popular. While most collectors are starting their collections with more common figures, some have progressed to a more serious level. Whatever your collecting preferences, learning about the meanings and desirable features is important, and fun.
This mudman, "Li Tieh Kuai - Immortal Physician" is unusual in several aspects. He has been hand-sculpted, and appears to have painted eyes. He is glazed in Mustard Yellow and Cerulean Blue and is accented with black beard and hair, and a dark brown base. The gourd has an interesting neutral color.
The next thing to value is the condition of the figure. Are the colors still vibrant? Is there damage? Almost all mudmen will have some roughness around the base which is acceptable. However try to avoid broken or restored pieces, unless it is a truly rare piece. This has had what appears to be a restoration inside the base. Because of its rarity, this is acceptable, and does not detract from the appearance.

Size: 3 1/4 inches tall; 2 3/4 inches wide.

Condition: The expected roughness around the base. This has had what appears to be a restoration inside the base. Because of its rarity, this is acceptable. It presents very well.

Circa: 1900.

This is from the very prestigious collection of Patricia Hardin (purchased from her estate). I had purchased some pieces from her collection several years ago, and was given the first opportunity to purchase the rest, which of course I immediately accepted. This collection has many rare and extremely rare pieces in exceptional condition.