Antique Chinese pair of porcelain figures of standing children, each holding a vase with lotus. Dressed in traditional baby clothes, the "heavenly twins" are delicately painted with enamel in a famille verte pallet. Impressed signatures on the bottoms.
Hehe Erxian, "two immortals of union and happiness", comes from the ancient story of two best friends, Hanshan and Shide, who were Buddhist monks. Joining the pantheon of Daoist immortals, they came to symbolize harmony and partnership. For this reason, images of the twins are popular wedding gifts.
Age: Republic Period
Dimensions: 10" high