Ref: X722
£ 1,650
Price is subject to availability and market conditions.
Pair of Chinese famille rose figures, circa 1780, Qianlong (1736-95), of Hehe Erxian (the laughing twins), seated on a marbled rockwork base with a mythical toad between them, each comprising a twin holding a string of cash-coins, and another holding a box containing either lotus or further cash-coins; both with jovial expressions and wearing robes with scrolling floral designs.
Notes:
Pairs of laughing twins refer to the Daoist spirits of Harmony and Joy (Hehe Erxian), the patron deities of Chinese merchants. The twins are often depicted alongside Cai Shen, the god of wealth, or overt symbols of wealth such as coins or money boxes, as seen here. Such figures would often be placed on family altars either to bring about the healthy birth of many sons or to ensure good business dealings.
Meanwhile, the three-legged toad is a mythical beast known as the Chanchu (蟾蜍; ‘toad in the moon’) or Jinchan (金蟾; ‘money toad’). According to legend, it could produce a pearl with the power to transform an ordinary mortal into a Daoist xian. It is frequently depicted under the foot of Liu Hai, a Daoist immortal associated with good fortune and wealth, in a highly auspicious pose known as 'Liu Hai sporting with the toad' (劉海戲蟾). As the story goes, the Chanchu would frequently dive into a nearby well or pond, but would invariably be tempted back by Liu Hai's string of golden coins.
