A Qing Reticulated Jade 'Magpies and Lingzhi' Marriage Carving / Pendant

Description

可爱的镂空玉吊坠或雕刻，描绘了两只喜鹊，中间夹着一颗灵芝（蘑菇）。巧妙地圆形雕刻，底座上有精美的细节.

A lovely reticulated jade pendant or carving depicting two magpies, holding between them a branch of lingzhi (mushroom). Skillfully carved in the round with fine detailing included to the base. 

Symbolism

The overall shape of the pendant bears similarities to a heart. The manner in which it is reticulated further accentuates this. On this basis we can ascertain that it was carved with an overarching message of 'love' / 'union'. 

The magpie, known as the ‘bird of happiness’ is a popular motif. Two magpies can be seen especially on the occasion of a wedding and signify ‘double happiness’. The birds’ long tails lead them to be called ‘birds with longevity ribbon’ (shoudainiao). - Tse Bartholomew, T. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, pp. 50, 52.

We can gather from the above description that the following jade group would have therefore, most likely, have been a gift given to a newly wed couple. 

History

This particular figural group and the symbolism that it denotes appears to have first been seen during the Song / Yuan Dynasties and later regained popularity during the 18th century. 

Based on the colouring of the nephrite on this carving, in addition to the symbolism of the carving, we can date this piece to the 18th century. At the latest, 19th century. 

For a similar example that sold in 2014 (Sothebys) please see a White Jade Carving of a Pair of Magpies Qing Dynasty, 18th Century. Ben Janssens has also catalogued a similar Jade Group of Two Magpies.