A Carving of a Joyful Deer and Joybird
A Carving of a Joyful Deer and Joybird
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Early 18th Century, Jiangxi Province, Southern China
Pigments on Wood
Surrounded by spiraling plant vines is a pair of auspicious animals, greatly loved by the ancient Chinese for their prosperous connotations. On the left is a cheerful deer that represent an official position and wealth, as the word for "deer" (lu, 鹿) sounds similar to the word for "handsome salary of a government official" (lu, 禄). The joybird on the right signaled the approach of good luck and good fortune, as the word of joybird (xi que, 喜鹊) shared the same sound as happiness (xi, 喜).
Dimensions
Width: 35.5 cm / 14 inches
Height: 12 cm / 4.5 inches
Thickness: 2.5 cm / 1 inch