A JADE 'HEHE' PLAQUE SONG DYNASTY

carved and pierced to depict the Hehe twins shoulder to shoulder, both wearing long robes and holding their arms up animatedly, with a brocade ball in between them, pierced with apertures at each corner and on both sides for attachment, the grey stone mottled with white inclusions 

The overall condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a similarly carved example of this type, but of a girl and a boy, see one included in the exhibition Exquisite Jade Carving, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 9. Compare related later versions of the Hehe erxian; such as one also included in the exhibition ibid., cat. no. 15; another included in the exhibition Chinese Jade. Stone for the Emperors, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, B. C., cat. no. 97; and a third sold in our New York rooms, 29^th November 1993, lot 52.

The Hehe erxian, or harmonious immortal pair, represent the idea of harmony and unity.