Twins of Union and Harmony, Hanshan, and Shide (The “He He Twins”)

Currently not on view

Twins of Union and Harmony, Hanshan, and Shide (The “He He Twins”)

1600-1700

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

These playful, humorous figures represent the eighth-century Chan Buddhist monks Hanshan and Shide. Chan Buddhism enjoyed a revival in the seventeenth century, which may have prompted the depiction of these two historical figures. The “He He Twins,” as they were popularly known, sit laughing together, one barefoot, and the other holding a covered basket from which a bat—a symbol of happiness and good fortune—is emerging. This detail, coupled with the union and harmony (pronounced “he” in Chinese) that the twins embody, would have made the sculpture an auspicious gift, especially appropriate for a wedding. Figures like these made at the Dehua kilns in eastern China would later inspire European kilns to make their own porcelain versions. 

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Twins of Union and Harmony, Hanshan, and Shide (The “He He Twins”)

Date:

1600-1700

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Porcelain with ivory glaze (Dehua ware)

Dimensions:

4 1/2 × 6 5/16 × 3 9/16 inches (11.4 × 16 × 9 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944

Accession Number:

1944-20-324a--c

Geography:

Made in Dehua, Fujian Province, China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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Currently not on view