Two famille rose export porcelain ducks
兩隻粉彩外销瓷鸭

Qianlong, circa 1790AD, China
乾隆, 约1790, 中國

Width: 18 cm, 7 1/16 inches; Height: 24 cm, 9 1/2 inches
寬: 18 釐米, 高: 24 釐米

The ducks stand on rock work bases enamelled with purple and green splashes, the left foot of each resting on an elevated section, their heads turned back and looking behind. The latter are decorated in bright blue enamel contrasting with the red and yellow beaks that are slightly open at the front, their plumage brightly enamelled in pink, green, red, yellow, and turquoise, highlighted with gilt details and dappled with water drops, their underbelly washed in a lime green and the feet in brilliant yellow.

In Chinese culture, a pair of ducks symbolise conjugal happiness and marital fidelity.

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Mandarin and Menagerie, Chinese and Japanese Export Ceramic Figures, Volume I: The James E. Sowell Collection by Michael Cohen and William Motley 2008 Plate 21.3.