White jade pendant "Wang Yizhi and the geese", Qing dynasty, 18th century

Hetian white jade pendant, carved in one piece. It represents a happy person next to a goose, sheltered between its wings, caressing its head and keeping a happy expression. The feathers and the rest of the elements are engraved or carved with some openwork areas. At one end it has a cord decorated with a bead (later).

The scene refers to the parable "王羲之爱鹅" (Wángxīzhī ài é), meaning "Wang Yizhi and the geese". It may also refer to the expression "平平安安" (píng píng ān ān) meaning stability and security. 

Provenance: important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 4 x 2.3 x 4.3 cm; Weight: 54 g