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Pair of Gilt Copper Inlaid Cloisonné "Eight Directions Bring Wealth" Crab Ornaments (Ming Dynasty Xuande Era Mark) 27×23×10 cm
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Gilt Copper-Agate Cloisonné Eight Directions Wealth Crab Ornament Pair (Ming Dynasty, Xuande Reign) 27×23×1 cm

Pair of Gilt Bronze Cloisonné Crab Ornaments Signifying Wealth from All Directions, Marked Xuande Period, Ming Dynasty

EstimateHK$38,000 - HK$85,000
Category:Miscellaneous

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Lot Description

This ornament features a crab as its main motif. The Chinese character for "crab" (蟹, xiè) sounds like "thanks" (谢, xiè) and shares the meaning of "carrying together" (携, xié), symbolizing the gathering of wealth from all directions and holding sudden fortune in hand. Crafted with cloisonné enamel on a red background, it is decorated with scrolling floral patterns. One side of the shell bears an embossed "Fu" (Fortune) character, while the other depicts scrolling flowers. Both claws hold up copper coins inscribed with "Zhao Cai Jin Bao" (招財進寶 - Attract Wealth and Bring in Treasure). Beneath its feet lie ingots and ancient coins, and the base features yellow-ground enamel floral designs. The entire piece is cast in copper with gold gilding, showcasing exquisite and intricate craftsmanship. It is marked with the reign title "Da Ming Xuan De" (大明宣德) at the bottom. The theme of the crab attracting wealth is highly favored by the business community, symbolizing success in the commercial world, abundant financial resources, and wealth flowing in from all directions. Sold in matching pairs or sets, these ornaments are complete in form, rich in color, and ideal for display in grand halls or for collection.

These sculptures are shaped like crabs. In Chinese culture, the crab symbolizes wealth and windfall fortune. The bodies feature red-ground cloisonné with interlocking floral scrolls. One carapace displays the character "Fu" (blessing), while the other is adorned with flower patterns. The claws hold a coin inscribed “Attract Wealth and Treasures,” and the crab stands atop gold ingots and ancient cash coins. The base features yellow-ground cloisonné floral decoration. Crafted on a bronze core with a gilded finish and exquisite cloisonné workmanship. An inscription reading “Made in the Xuande Reign of the Ming Dynasty” is cast on the underside. The crab motif is favored by merchants, representing thriving business and abundant income from all directions. Offered as a matched pair with an intact form and magnificent color palette, ideal for interior display and collection.