18th-Century Chinese Export Porcelain Double Boy Figure Group of Hehe Erxian

Details

Description

Divine Prosperity: Chinese Export Porcelain Figure Group of the Hehe Erxian,
Circa 1770-80

This charming and significant Chinese Export porcelain … Read more Divine Prosperity: Chinese Export Porcelain Figure Group of the Hehe Erxian,
Circa 1770-80

This charming and significant Chinese Export porcelain figure group, richly decorated in the Famille Rose palette, dates from the Qianlong period, circa 1770–1780. The sculpture portrays the beloved Daoist deities of Harmony and Joy, collectively known as the Hehe Erxian (The Two Holy Ones).

Sculpture and Symbolism
The figure group depicts two laughing twin boys—the very personification of Harmony and Mirth—seated playfully on intricately molded, pierced rock work. The figures are vibrantly hand-painted with detailed robes and joyous expressions.

The iconography is loaded with auspicious symbolism:

The Hehe Erxian: These figures are venerated as patron deities of merchants and prosperity and are often known as the "Boy Immortals" or "Twin Genii." The Chinese word He is a homonym for both "box" and "concord," establishing the theme of accord and fortune.

Symbolic Attributes: One of the figures is identified as Liu Hai, a God of Wealth, who is typically shown holding a string of cash (coins), while his companion holds a box of gold coins.

The Three-Legged Toad: Peering out from an opening below the rock work is the partially hidden "three-legged toad" (or chan chu), a specific attribute of Liu Hai and a powerful symbol of money-making and wealth accumulation.

Historical Context and Production
Although the Hehe Erxian were originally popular motifs intended for the Chinese domestic market, their appeal as symbols of prosperity and accord made them highly desirable in the Export Trade. Porcelain figure groups like this one were commissioned during the Qianlong period, which saw a robust demand for decorative and highly symbolic Chinese porcelain to adorn European and American interiors. The rich Famille Rose enamels—known for their soft, pink hues and wide color palette—were ideally suited to bring the detailed, festive nature of this figure group to life.

Dimensions: 8 inches high ×7 1/4 inches wide ×2 1/2 inches deep (20.32cm high ×18.42cm wide ×6.35cm).

Reference Notes
Comparable Examples: The rarity and significance of this piece are supported by comparable examples in notable collections:

An identical group is illustrated by Thomas V. Litzenburg, Jr. in Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Center Collection at Washington and Lee University (2003, p. 215, no. 219).

Another example was featured in The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection.

Symbolism: The figure group is a quintessential depiction of the Hehe Erxian, personifying Harmony, Joy, and Prosperity, and appealing both to Chinese merchants and Western collectors fascinated by Oriental iconography.

(Ref: NY10714-umrx) See less