Group of Gods of Mirth (Hehe Erxian), Qianlong (1736-95)

Ref: K321

£ 1,300

Price is subject to availability and market conditions.

Chinese group of gods of mirth (Hehe Erxian), Qianlong (1736-95), with jovial expressions, one carrying a lotus sceptre, wearing flowing green and pink robes with scrolling floral decoration, standing side by side on a pierced rockwork base washed with a brown glaze and with scattered cash coins.

Dimensions:

Height: 16.5cm. (6 1/2in.)

Condition:

Small chip to lotus leaf

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.