Hetian jade figurine ‘Fish, children and lotuses’, Qing dynasty

A superbly carved, light-coloured Hetian jade figure with soft reddish flecks. It depicts a scene full of dynamism, with beautiful mandarin fish and carp swimming in an agitated manner, surrounded by small, joyful children climbing among elongated flowering lotus branches and winding waves. A large fish is arranged on the right side, with its mouth open and its body covered with detailed scales, partially covered by the blossoming lotus branches, from which small children playfully climb, as if in a game. On the left side are two other smaller fish, one with a long curled tongue, swimming dynamically among the high curved waves. 

The rare appearance of a Mandarin fish and a carp together is a symbol of prosperity and wealth in Chinese culture. 

Size: 11 x 62 x 13.7 cm

Jade weight: 524 g