China. Finely carved as a pair of lobed melons growing from the openworked gnarled stem bearing issuing leaves with neatly incised veins, one leaf highlighted by the russet inclusions of the pale translucent stone. Two butterflies are carved in low relief, one to the base and the other hidden under a leaf, as an allusion or rebus to the continuation of a family's bloodline (Gua die mian mian).

Provenance: English trade. Acquired from an estate in Hounslow, by repute.
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural imperfections.

Weight: 71.4 g
Dimensions: Length 5.9 cm

Gourds (gua) and butterflies (hudie) as decorative motifs form a rebus expressing a wish for many generations of sons: Gua die mian mian. It is used metaphorically to wish for a family's offspring to flourish and prosper.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related jade carving of two melons, also dated to the 18th century, illustrated by Richard Marks in The Burrell Collection, 1983, p. 69.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's Hong Kong, 9 October 2019, lot 104
Price: HKD 43,750 or approx. EUR 5,600 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white and russet jade 'melon and butterfly' carving, Qing dynasty, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of carving and colors of the stone similar with similar incorporation of the russet inclusions by the lapidary. Note the size (6.4 cm).