Note: The 'Three Rams' (sanyang) design is commonly found represented in Chinese art, particularly in Jade. The ram is a traditional emblem of good luck, since the Chinese term for ram (or goat), yang, is a homophone of yang, ‘sun’, and represents the male or positive principle in the yin-yang duality. The Chinese character for ram is also used as a variant for a similar character pronounced xiang, which means happiness. Three rams, san yang, are considered a particularly auspicious symbol, evoking the expression sanyang kaitai, the awakening of nature in spring, which signifies good luck and happiness.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Works of Art, New York, 17 march 2015, 02:00 PM