
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
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 modelled as crabs. In Chinese culture, the crab symbolises carrying wealth and windfall fortune. The crab bodies are decorated with red-ground cloisonné interlocking floral scrolls. One carapace bears the Chinese character "Fu" (blessing), while the other is covered with flower patterns. Its pincers lift a coin inscribed “Attract Wealth and Treasures”, and the crab stands atop ingots and ancient cash coins. The base features yellow-ground cloisonné floral decoration. Crafted on bronze core with gilded finish, exquisite cloisonné workmanship. An inscription “Made in the Xuande Reign of the Ming Dynasty” is cast on the underside. The crab motif is favoured by merchants, representing thriving business and abundant income from all quarters. Offered as a matched pair with intact form and magnificent colour palette, ideal for interior display and collection.
相关拍品

Shoushan Tianhuang Stone 3D Relief Group of Chi-Dragons and Meander Pattern Square Pagoda Jade Seal Stamp 21×7.7×7.7cm
Anonymous

Shoushan Tianhuang High-Relief Nine Dragons Playing with Pearl Cylindrical Seal Stamp 18×6.5 cm
Anonymous

Qianlong Period of the Great Qing Mark Relief Carved Eighteen Arhats Bronze Bowl 17.8×4×8cm
Anonymous

Gilt Copper-Glazed Cloisonné Incense Burner with Double Dragon Handles and Three Crane Feet, Decorated with Interlocking Lotus Pattern 22×18×9.5×10 cm
Anonymous