18th-Century Chinese Export Porcelain Laughing Boy Figures

Details

Description

Twin Joy: Pair of Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Laughing Boy Figures
Circa 1780

A delightful and expressive pair of Chinese … Read more Twin Joy: Pair of Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Laughing Boy Figures
Circa 1780

A delightful and expressive pair of Chinese Export porcelain standing figures, dating to the 18th Century (Qianlong Period).

These charming figures depict the "He-He Er Xian" or "Laughing Boys" (Twins of Harmony and Mirth), renowned in Chinese folklore as symbols of joy and marital harmony. Each boy is modeled with a beaming, pleasant facial expression and hair tied in double knots. They are dressed in colorful aprons and tunics decorated in the famille rose palette with floral motifs and ruyi-head collars.

Each figure holds a ruyi scepter (a talisman symbolizing "as you wish" or power) in their hands. They stand upon unglazed, rough-hewn bases.

Measurements:
Height: 8 inches (20.32 cm)
Width: 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm)
Depth: 2 inches (5.08cm)

Provenance:
Private East Coast Collection,
Acquired from The Oriental Art Gallery Limited, London, in January 1996.

Condition: Good antique condition

Historical Context:

He-He Er Xian: The "Laughing Twins" are often associated with the Taoist immortals He and He. One usually carries a lotus (he) and the other a box (he), forming a pun on "harmony and union." In this iteration, the ruyi scepters emphasize the wish for good fortune and the fulfillment of desires. Such figures were popular auspicious gifts for weddings or to bless a household with happiness.

(Ref: NY11041-iuux) See less