Lot 180. A pair of pale green jade 'sage' plaques mounted as table screens, 18th-19th century; 11cm high. Estimate HK$60,000 - 100,000. Sold for HK$ 137,500 (€ 16,310). Photo: Bonhams.

Each embellished with a pale green jade plaque carved with a pair of sages engaged in conversation, one pair with both figures pointing at a ripe peach held in the left hand of one sage pulling at his beard, the other pair clutching onto a single staff, the smaller bent over and looking up at the taller scholar.

Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd., London, 5 April 1979
An English private collection.

Note: The group of elderly scholars finely carved as two pairs, with one sage holding a peach, may represent the wish for longevity associated with the peach of Immortality and the God of Longevity, Shoulao.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, Hong Kong, Admiralty, 26 May 2014