A Pair of Chinese Wucai Monkey-Form Porcelain Wine Ewers.
Late Qing–Republic Period.
Finely modeled as seated monkeys, this delightful pair of porcelain wine ewers combines sculptural artistry with ingenious functionality. Each vessel is formed as a large monkey wearing a removable conical hat that serves as the stopper, while the tail is skillfully incorporated into the vessel's functional design. The monkeys are vividly rendered with large, expressive eyes and finely incised fur, richly decorated in vibrant wucai enamels of yellow, aubergine, green, blue, and cream.
Although conceived as a pair, each ewer presents a distinct narrative composition. One depicts a large monkey seated upon a rocky base, gently holding a peach in one hand while protectively embracing a smaller monkey with the other. The young monkey cradles a mouse in its arms, creating an unusually charming and animated scene. The companion ewer portrays another large monkey seated against a rocky outcrop with one arm raised, accompanied by a smaller monkey climbing closely at its side. The intimate interaction between the adult and young monkeys lends both vessels warmth, vitality, and a delightful sense of familial affection.
The iconography is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese symbolism. The monkey has long been associated with official success through its homophonic relationship with the word for "marquis," making it an enduring emblem of rank and advancement. The peach symbolizes longevity and immortality, while the mouse, the first animal of the Chinese zodiac, represents fertility, abundance, and the continuation of descendants. Together, the adult monkey, young monkey, peach, and mouse create an especially auspicious composition expressing wishes for official success, longevity, prosperity, and generations of flourishing descendants.
With their lively modeling, expressive facial features, finely incised fur, and brilliantly colored enamels, these whimsical figural wine ewers exemplify the imaginative decorative porcelain produced during the late Qing and early Republic periods, transforming functional vessels into engaging sculptural works rich in symbolism, narrative charm, and folk artistry.
晚清至民国 五彩猴形瓷酒壶一对
本对酒壶以猴子为造型，巧妙融合雕塑艺术与实用器皿于一体，构思精巧，富有浓郁的民间艺术趣味。两件均塑作大猴形象，头戴斗笠形帽，可取下作为壶塞；猴尾巧妙融入器物结构，使整件酒壶兼具观赏与实用功能。通体施五彩釉装饰，以黄、绿、蓝、茄皮紫及白釉相互映衬，色彩鲜艳明快。猴子双目圆睁，神情机敏，遍身以细密刻划表现毛发，形象生动自然。
两件作品虽成对制作，却各具变化。其中一件大猴端坐山石之上，一手持寿桃，另一臂轻揽身旁的小猴，小猴怀中又抱持一只小鼠，彼此依偎，神情亲昵，画面温馨而富有童趣。另一件则作大猴倚坐山石，一臂高举，小猴攀附于身侧，与大猴形成亲密互动，使整体构图更富层次与动感。
整组题材蕴含丰富的中国传统吉祥寓意。猴与“侯”谐音，自古寓意封侯晋爵、功名显达；寿桃象征长寿与福寿绵延；鼠为十二生肖之首，寓意子孙繁衍、生生不息。大猴、小猴、小鼠与寿桃共同构成一组寓意吉祥的画面，不仅表现亲子相依、天伦之乐，更寄寓封侯添寿、福寿双全、家族兴旺、子孙昌盛等美好祝愿。
本对酒壶造型夸张而富于变化，人物神态刻画传神，釉彩浓艳华丽，兼具装饰性与叙事性，是晚清至民国时期动物题材瓷塑中兼具民间艺术特色与吉祥文化内涵的一对佳作。
Contact Asian Art Department for condition report.
{Approximate dimensions - (left): 7 5/8" H x 5 5/8" W x 3 1/4" D, on stand: 8 3/4" H, (right): 6 1/4" H x 5 1/4" W x 3 1/4" D, on stand: 7 3/8" H.
