A rare mutton fat white jade group, Ming Dynasty (circa 14-15th Century), worked with two boys side by side, one standing and holding a lotus branch stretched and arched over his shoulder (Shide), the other nestled against his friend from a sitting pose and holding a box (Hanshan), the two known as the HeHe twins or HeHe Erxian. The standing Shide with head turned and with a sweet expression as he glances over towards his friend and Hanshan replies the affectionate greeting with his head angled up and a glowing smile on his face, the wonderful stone is considered to be a quartered mutton fat white jade pebble and is of fine even white tone with little to no inclusions visible. Details are finely rendered using carving on different planes and the whole elegantly polished throughout. 2 1/2" L., 6.3 cm. Lot notes:Carvings from the Ming dynasty in white jade are rare. The purity of the subject and the high quality of the stone suggests this was likely produced in the Imperial Jade Workshops of the first half of the Ming. This is an early and fine example of the HeHe Erxian boys. <<"Han Shan and Shi De were monks and good friends in the Zhenguan Period of Tang Dynasty. The Chinese characters for “harmony and good union as a phrase (hehe) mean a harmonious mind, reconciliation, and smooth going. The god of harmony and good union, originally was in charge of family relationships, gradually evolved into the god of marriage. It also changed from one god to two gods, one holding a lotus and the other a treasure box. Han Shan and Shi De were officially canonized as the God of Harmony and the God of Good Union in the first year of Yongzheng rule in the Qing Dynasty. They are widely regarded as gods who bless love between husband and wife.">> - teldap.tw

PLEASE REQUEST ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OR A CONDITION REPORT AS NEEDED.

The absence of a condition report does not imply good or bad condition however a condition report may be requested as additional information about any lot. Please understand that any statement about condition is provided to a prospective buyer as a courtesy and prospective buyer is encouraged to have a professional restorer or art conservator evaluate lots and their respective condition to make sure they meet any particular expectations. All lots are sold as-is where is. Please note this Sale is conducted in USD. All Canadian customers will have the option of paying the CAD equivalent. Keywords: Chinese imperial gilt bronze jade nephrite jadeite antique Beijing Shanghai Qing ming qianlong