The figures, bald and smiling are commonly referred to as the Heavenly Twins or Hoho Twins or Hehe-Erxian Twins…they symbolize perfect partnership and express the idea that harmony is more profitable than strife … so for centuries they were offered as wedding gifts in China.
This lovely example gives me an opportunity to compare two similar jade carvings… this and one from the 07-06-01 Chinese Wedding Set-Jade and Silver post.
The one on the left is from the previous post…the current piece is on the right.
Both pieces are white jade, both are hand carved and reticulated.. but this example is rarer than the first…the jade is a finer stone with more luster and the carving is more elaborate; all the edges are fully rounded and both sides of the stone are fully carved with the same scene … a tour de force of carving.
The custom gold frame is a later addition …and reflects the value the owner placed on this piece.
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c.18th-19th century, carved white (mutton fat) jade Heavenly Twins… set in 20th century custom made 14KYG frame. Frame: 4.5cm x 5.8cm, Jade: 4cm x 5.5cm, Thickness: 5mm. |
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