White nephrite jade pendant with openwork decoration depicting the Hehe twins standing on clouds. One holds a lotus branch (hé, 荷), the other a round treasure box (hé, 盒).

The lotus is an ancient symbol of purity, rebirth, and continuity, particularly because it blooms every year. The box, usually circular, evokes the idea of completeness, reunion, and inner peace.

The Hehe Erxian literally means “Two Immortals of Harmony.” They are characters, often depicted as two smiling twin children, popular deities in Taoism and Chinese culture, symbolizing harmonious union, joy, and concord, especially in marriage.

Behind these iconic figures lie several legends, one of the best known of which traces their origins back to two reclusive monks, Hanshan and Shide, who lived on Mount Tiantai during the Tang dynasty. Known for their wisdom and eccentricity, these two figures inspired numerous poems, notably through the writings of the scholar Lü Qiuyin. Their image has endured through the centuries until their official canonization as deities of Harmony and Happy Union at the beginning of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng during the Qing dynasty. Since then, they have been revered as protectors of couples and benefactors of marital love.

Reference:
Related piece: – seventieth anniversary, S.Marchant & Son, exhibition of Post-Archaic Chinese Jades, page 44, N° 44