A very large Chinese famille rose group of the Hehe Erxian. Qianlong
Decorated in the famille rose palette, and depicting two laughing twins standing side by side, each wearing a joyous expression. The right-hand twin rests his right arm on his companion’s shoulder and holds a vase in his left hand. Thus figure wears a green robe with wide sleeves, decorated with pink dragon roundel at the centre and scattered flowers sprays, and tied at the waist with a belt, pink trousers and black shoes. The others figure is dressed in a blue robe with wide sleeves, decorated with cranes in flight and scattered flowers, he holds a vase in his hand. The twins stand on a perforated rock work painted in shades of blue and pink.
- Country:
- China
- Period :
- Qianlong (1736-1795), ca. 1760/1770
- Material:
- Porcelain
- Dimension:
- 10.43 in. x 3.93 in. (26,5 cm x 10 cm)
- Reference :
- E104
- Status:
- sold
Related works
For a pair of identical groups (from the Bulgari collection), see Porcelain People: Figures from the Qing Dynasty, Jorge Welsh Research & Publishing, Lisbon/London, 2021, pp. 104/107.
Two similar pairs are in the collection of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Milano, Italy).
Notice
These group depicts the ‘Immortal Twins” or Hehe Erxian, the Twin Genii of Harmony and Mirth. Their legend is associated with two prominent monks, Hanshan and Shine, who lived during the Tang dynasty (618-907). They were often portrayed in Chinese art, usually symbolizing blessings for marriage and longevity.
