Lot 309A
Pale Celadon Jade Elephant Group, 18th/19th Century
Lot 309A Details
Pale Celadon Jade Elephant Group, 18th/19th Century
The elephant standing four-square with a young boy holding a ruyi sceptre on its back, and another boy with a box by its leg, the stone of an even pale celadon tone with some white and yellow inclusions
length 3" — 7.5 cm.
Estimate $5,000-$7,000
Additional Images
Provenance:
Private Montreal Collection, acquired in London during the 1950’s, thence by descent within the family
Note:
The two young boys are known as He He Er Xian or the “two spirits of Harmony and Union”. Traditionally, one figure is rendered with a small box while the other holds a lotus. Occasionally, as in this carving, the second boy is shown with ruyi fungus but can also be depicted with a string of coins, gourd, or other auspicious object. The inclusion of the elephant, a cipher for “happiness or auspiciousness,” further illustrates the wish for a successful life.