清中期 白玉嬰戲合卺杯|Water vessel in the shape of a marriage cup

Unknown

18th century · Jade (nephrite) · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Jade (nephrite)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902