A CHINESE PALE CELADON JADE 'THREE RAMS' GROUP

A CHINESE PALE CELADON JADE 'THREE RAMS' GROUP
QING DYNASTY

Carved as a large recumbent ram resting with its legs tucked beneath, bearing a pearl on its back encircled by wispy cloud scrolls, accompanied by another two smaller rams, 9.5cm.

For related jade carvings of three rams, see The Complete Collection of Treasures at the Palace Museum, Jadeware III, pl.88. The depiction of three rams, san yang, is an auspicious motif which represents the rebus san yang kai tai, which may be translated as 'with three yangs bring happiness', and expresses the wish of good luck and good wishes for the new year.