A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE 'SUCCESSFUL SONS' JARS AND COVERS REPUBLICAN PERIOD

each with slightly rounded base and steep straight sides set with opposing pairs of bamboo-shaped loops inserted with metal bail handles, painted with a continuous scene of five boys, one riding a ram, all holding objects symbolic of scholarly success and good fortune, with three bats hovering overhead, the base encircled by a dense floral scroll, repeated on the cover, above evenly spaced leafy branches of the 'Three Abundances', surmounted by a gilded double-peach form finial, the base centered with an iron-red mark reading linzhi chengxiang (the qilin's footprints foretell good fortune) (4)

One jar with a hairline crack to the rim approx. ¾ in. (2 cm) long, and a firing flaw on the footring. Both with chips to the peach finial and there is wear to the gilding and some small losses to the enamels overall.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The decoration on these jars is filled with symbolic meaning. The five boys represent the sons of Dou Yujun, all of whom achieved exceptional success and were known as the 'five dragons'. Two of the boys hold ruyi scepters. The word ruyi means 'as you desire' and represents the wish that all your desires come true. One boy holds a spear tied with a ribbon suspending a chime, which forms a rebus representing the wish that generations of the family celebrate success in the imperial examinations. Another boy holds a vase with a stalk of grain and a lantern. These elements form the rebus heping dengke, representing the desire for peaceful ascendency in one's official career. The last boy holds a lantern in the shape of a fish. The word for fish, yu, is a homophone for the word 'abundance'. The three rams forms the rebus sanyang kaitai, a portend to a bright future, while the bats, fu, represent blessings. The branches painted on the cover represent the 'Three Abundances' of longevity, blessings, and abundance of sons. In fact the mark on the bottom, linzhi chengxiang, was an ancient greeting used to wish couples the birth of a son, and often found on pieces decorated with boys and qilin.