Porcelain. China, Republic-era, approx. 1st half of 20th cent.
Two naked boys rendered exceedingly neat, both wearing only a bib and a sash around the abdomen – these parts are embellished with under-glaze blue and some enamel colours with fine floral motives. They have gold rings around the arms and legs, while each is holding a lidded box in front, with both hands. The box is painted in under-glaze blue and iron-red, showing the leiwen-meander as well as a large stylized character shou (“longevityâ€) on the topside. The main attractions are the especially lively and well-rendered faces of the boys, with a slightly glorified look and laughing, open mouths. The deep-black knots of hair, which, as typical for these boys, were left uncut in order for the house-god to be able to pull on them and save them in case of a fire. Excellent condition.
WIDTH 25,6 AND 27,4 CM
From a Czech private collection