Circa 1820 China
A Pair of Early 19th Century Porcelain Laughing Boys
£1,350
SOLD
Height 7 inches (17.78 cm)
Width 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Depth 2 inches (5.08 cm)
A pair of early 19th century porcelain laughing happy boys, each figure depicted seated, holding a ruyi in one hand and a fruit in the other.
In Chinese tradition, the ruyi sceptre is said to have a variety of desirable qualities: it bestows upon its owner unquestionable authority, sexual powers and the ability to make dreams and wishes come true. Among many other magical traits, the ruyi is believed to bring health and happiness to ones home.
It is shaped in the form of a lingzih mushroom which symbolises immortality. The Chinese characters for both ling (灵) and zhi (芝) have multiple meanings, ranging from the spiritual, sacred and divine, to the potent, effective and powerful.
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (1820-1850).
