A PAIR OF BEGONIA-SHAPED 'MAGPIES'' FAMILLE-NOIRE PORCELAIN VASES, HAITANGZUN China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, Kangxi style H (each): 16 cm Note: Two magpies facing each other symbolize 'double happiness' (shuangxi 喜喜) but also marriage. Indeed, this is based on an ancient legend concerning two heavenly lovers, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Both are separated for eternity but for one day each year during which they can cross a celestial river on a bridge made of magpies. 一对海棠形“喜鹊”粉彩瓷瓶，海棠尊，中国，清朝，19世纪，康熙风格