Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Date:19th century Culture:China Medium:Horn Dimensions:H. inc. base 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Classification:Horn Credit Line:Gift of Ellen Barker, 1942 Accession Number:42.90.31, 32a, b Two boys holding a lotus or leaf and a box are popular New Year’s images symbolic of harmony and union. Known as the hehe twins, in reference to the characters for these virtues both of which are read he, this pair is also thought to have been inspired by the legendary Tang dynasty (618–907) Buddhist monks Hanshan and Shide.
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Date:19th century Culture:China Medium:Horn Dimensions:H. inc. base 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Classification:Horn Credit Line:Gift of Ellen Barker, 1942 Accession Number:42.90.31, 32a, b Two boys holding a lotus or leaf and a box are popular New Year’s images symbolic of harmony and union. Known as the hehe twins, in reference to the characters for these virtues both of which are read he, this pair is also thought to have been inspired by the legendary Tang dynasty (618–907) Buddhist monks Hanshan and Shide.