Jade figure "Swinging child", Qing dynasty, 19th century

Hetian green jade, carved in one piece, in the shape of a swinging child. This type of jade "青白玉", of light greenish-white hue, is a soft jade with the color widely used in the Qing dynasty. In very good condition.

It depicts a young infant, grasping the tips of his feet with his hands and extremely cheerful face, due to the fact that he is enjoying being swung. A green and beaded rope is inserted into the holes to simulate swinging (later).

This image is related to the Chinese idiom "歡天喜地" (huān tiān xi dì) which means cheerfully or being in a very happy, joyful and unrestrained state. The word is composed of "happy heaven" and "happy earth," so heaven is so happy that the earth is also happy. The expression can be used to describe many situations, such as celebrating success or special occasions. And also, to express the mood of people engaged in entertaining activities, or children and pets conveying innate joy to others.

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

Size: 8.3 x 3.3 x 4.8 cm; Cord length: 24.5 cm; Total weight: 88 g