A jadeite carving of a boat with three figures


Late Qing Dynasty/ Republic PeriodFinely carved with one figure at the helm steering the boat with finely incised waves on the sides, the figure on the prow beside potted lingzhi holding his sword, a further two swords on his back, the third figure in scholarly robes carrries a fan behind the pilot, the stone of light apple-green tone, wood stand. 11cm (4 1/3in) wide. (2).
|清末/民國 翠玉仙人乘槎擺件Provenance: a distinguished European private collection, acquired by the grandparents of the present owner and thence by descent來源： 顯貴歐洲私人收藏，由現藏家祖父母蒐藏，並由後人保存迄今This carving, with three men carrying swords, may possibly depict the three Ruan brothers from the famous novel Shuihu zhuan (水滸傳). In the novel, the brothers earn a living by fishing, trading and ferrying on the river as well as the occasional robbery. As outlaws, skilled in martial arts and swimming, they join the band of 108 outlaws on Mount Liang in rebellion against corrupt government officials.