Pair of Gilt Famille Rose Jars with Boys at Play

These lovely porcelain jars date to the late-19th century and are finely enameled in the famille rose style with a scene of boys at play in a garden setting. A popular theme in Chinese decorative arts, this scene conveys a wish for many successful sons. Each boy is shown carrying objects with auspicious meaning - a halberd for happiness, a lantern and stalks of grain for a bountiful harvest, a basket of lotuses for harmony among sons, and an ingot and brush for passing exams with honors.

The scene is bordered by a band of gilt foliate scrollwork, beautifully shaded with pastel enamels. The lid is decorated with offering fruits and topped with a beetle-like handle in the form of two pink peaches, potent symbols of longevity. Each footed base is glazed in the blue and white manner with a simple meander pattern and the reign mark of the Jiaqing era (1796-1820). Intricately detailed and dense with symbolism, this pair of jars is a fantastic example of Qing-dynasty famille rose porcelain.