Couple "Golden boy and jade girl", Qing dynasty, 19th century

Greenish-white jade, "青白玉" (Qīng báiyù) from Hetian. The type of jade is smooth and shaded between white, light cyan and light green. The figures are exceptionally carved, with minute engraved details, perfectly remarkable, with a very expressive face of innate happiness. In very good condition.

They represent respectively a boy and a girl in the same posture, holding coins, and the same clothes. Their tunics reach down to their feet, revealing their shoes, and on top there is a vest decorated with the same geometric border. Although, the main difference is the hairstyle, the girl has two bows and the boy has a long braid with a hat. The faces are similar, both are smiling, but with some distinguishable features, such as the eyes and ears.

This couple is referenced with "金童玉女" (Jīn tóng yùnu) the Taoist designation for "the golden boy and the jade girl". In folk beliefs they have absorbed the teachings of Buddhism. They are used as symbolism in front of the soul of the deceased. It also has a meaning of attracting wealth, fortune and spiritual peace. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Size: 8 x 2.4 x 3.3 cm; 8.1 x 2.5 x 3.3 cm; Total weight: 194 g.