A pair of wucai standing boys

Ming dynasty, 17th century, ‘transitional period’
China

thermoluminescence test no. p106f46
confirms this dating

height: 31 cm

Each figure stands on a low square base in bare feet, and wearing long baggy trousers decorated with clouds. A triangular apron depicts cranes in flight amongst clouds, and is fastened around the stomach and secured at the back. The scalloped collar that encircles each neck is decorated with lingzhi and supports ribbons and charms that hang down from the shoulders. The boys hold a single lotus stem in both hands – the flower containing an opening that might have held incense sticks. Their plump smiling faces look down – the shaven heads bald except for a quiff above the forehead, tied up in the Chinese style by a red ribbon.

Boys of this type are not uncommon but this model is slightly larger than normal, with unusual decoration. The pallet is in yellow, aubergine, iron red and two tones of green – the enamels bright, and the painting robust and free.

The birth of a son was considered the most fortunate event for a young married couple; most marriage blessings and rebuses included the wish for many sons – thus securing the family lineage. The rank of a lady was contingent upon the birth of a boy, and her status later in life dependent upon her son’s success.