Statuettes - inv. 975-976

China, Qing dynasty, end of the Qianlong era (Ch'en-lung), 18th century

Pair of statuettes

1736-1795

hard-paste porcelain

270 mm

1879 bequest Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli

Inv. 975 976

Golden Room

Each statuette represent the hehe erxian, the two brothers who are the spirits of Union and Harmony. They are standing smiling and holding wine jars. The hehe erxian are one of the most popular subjects for these statuettes, painted with polychrome enamels. As pairs or separate, they represent the patron gods of merchants, particularly potters, and they are symbols of reconciliation and good business.