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Twin boys

18th century
Not on view
The four bodies and two heads of this sculpture belong to four entwined boys—one pair seated and the other kneeling on all fours. The group represents the principle of ancient Chinese cosmology known as liangyi sheng sixiang, in which two primary forces (yin and yang) generate four images. The design, which can be read either vertically or horizontally, further exemplifies the artist’s familiarity with rotational symmetry.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清 象牙雕雙童
  • Title: Twin boys
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 in. (6.3 cm); W. 21/2 in. (6.3 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.6.12
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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