Pair of Screens with Figures in a Landscape
Culture
Chinese
Date20th century
Mediumwhitish jadeite with hints of green and pale lavender
Dimensions31.8 x 15.2 cm (12 1/2 x 6 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineGift of John and Maria Dirlam
Terms
Object number2001.454
DescriptionTwo jadite screens with separate wooden stands.Label TextAn important category of jade production was huayi (“jades imitating pictures”). The Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–95) rated huayi as highly as fanggu (“jade imitating antiques”) and encouraged the production of a great variety of huayi, including jade boulders, brush pots and screens (e.g 1997.137; 1996.130; 1999.433; 1996.131). These 20th century huayi screens, depicting lovers on a bridge, would have made an ideal wedding gift. The pine and bamboo which frame the scene represent longevity and fidelity. The two magpies flying above the couple symbolize “double happiness” since the first character for the term “magpie” (xieque) is the same as that for the word “happiness” (xi).
On View
On view
Chinese
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and a Branch with Ripe Peaches and Basket, Accompanied by a Boy
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)