A pair of small ivory figures depicting the He-He twins

Qianlong period, 1736–1795
Height: approximately 2 ½ in (6.5 cm)

These delightful carvings in ivory show the He-He twins in a kneeling position carrying lidded containers on their heads, probably to hold vermillion paste. The twins are depicted here as identical to each other, while one of them holds the expected plant in one hand, and the other a box from which would emerge wonderful beasts.

Provenance:
Raymond and Frances Bushell
Charles Greenfield

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Works of Art (2009), cat. no. 42

Ref. 858637

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