Lot 106. Fibule en cuivre et argent repoussé incrusté de turquoise, Dynastie Song (960-1279). Longueur: 19 cm. (7 ½ in.). Estimate EUR 10,000 - EUR 15,000 (USD 11,323 - USD 16,985). © Christie's Image Ltd 2020.

Elle représente deux poissons accolés. Les écailles finement ciselées, les yeux incrustés de turquoise.

Provenance: Previously in the collection of M. Emile Vignier, brother of M. Charles Vignier (1863-1934), dealer and expert in Asian art.

Literature: Revue des Arts Asiatiques, Librairie Des Arts et Voyages, Paris, Juin 1925, IIeme Année, n°2, planche IV, fig. 2. 

Note: Pronounced yú in Mandarin Chinese, the word for 'fish' is a homonym for 'surplus' and, by extension, 'abundance'. Thus, as a visual pun, the fish can be interpreted as a wish to the viewer for abundance in all things. Moreover, because there are two fish, Chinese viewers would interpret the design as shuangyú, which means 'double fish' and, by extension, is an auspicious wish to the viewer for double abundance or great good fortune. Additionally, the double-fish motif stands as a symbol of marital harmony.

The twin fish symbol was often used under Song dynasty and later on in various materials. See as an example of a Song Longquan celadon 'twin fish' dish sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 2 December 2015, lot 2806..

Christie's. Art d'Asie, Paris, 23 June 2020