Lot 3030. A fine and very rare famille rose ‘boys’ jar, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795); 6 in. (15.3 cm.) high, box. Estimate HKD 6,000,000 - HKD 8,000,000 (USD 774,097 - USD 1,032,130) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The jar is finely potted with a compressed globular body raised on a low foot ring and decorated in bright underglaze-blue and famille rose palettes depicting a garden scene with sixteen boys engaging in various pursuits including riding on hobby-horse, holding banners, playing musical instrument, and piggybacking.

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s Amsterdam, 20 November 2001, lot 199

Note: The subject of boys or of children, with the connotation of auspicious wish for fertility and many sons, was very popular on decorative arts in China and can be traced back to as early as Tang dynasty. Song dynasty court painter Su Hanchen (1094-1172) was particularly highly regarded for his portrayals of lively children at play with characteristic hair-styles and dressed in loose robes. The subject and this style continued to be in favour by the Ming and the Qing Imperial courts as can be seen on paintings, ceramics and various works of art.

One noteworthy trait of the works of art bearing the ‘boys’ motif during Yongzheng and Qianlong periods is that unlike previous dynasties and reigns, the heads and bodies of the boys are comparatively better proportioned, their clothing more detailed, and the boys are engaging in a greater variety of activities. When combined with colour schemes such as doucai or famille rose palette, it adds a radiant liveliness to the jolly and festive atmosphere.