Water vessel in the shape of a marriage cup
The marriage cup, which derives its name from the shape of two joined rhombuses, signifies the ideal union of two individuals. On one side of the cup are two small boys, one holding a ruyi scepter and the other wearing a vest decorated with coin shapes. Their companions on the other side hold a peach and a vase filled with coral. While the accessories in their hands stand for happiness, wealth, and longevity, the boys themselves allude to the proliferation of offspring as the hopeful result of a marriage.
Artwork Details
- 清中期 白玉嬰戲合卺杯
- Title: Water vessel in the shape of a marriage cup
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Jade (nephrite)
- Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); W. 8 in. (20.3 cm); L. 5 9/16 in. (14.2 cm)
- Classification: Jade
- Credit Line: Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
- Object Number: 02.18.367
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
dated 1774
China
18th century
China
1713–22
China
China
18th century
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