Pair of Yixing Zisha Clay Quails in the Style of Chen Mingyuan

Story

In Chinese culture, a pair of quails represents a wish for a peaceful, harmonious life. During the late Qing dynasty, scholars placed these charming, tactile clay birds on their writing desks as inspiring, naturalistic paperweights.

Maker / Origin

The underside bears an impressed seal mark reading 'Chen Mingyuan' (陳鳴遠), a legendary master of the Kangxi period renowned for his hyper-realistic, nature-inspired scholar's objects. While genuine 17th-century pieces by Chen are exceedingly rare museum treasures, talented late 19th-century Yixing masters frequently signed their finest naturalistic works with his mark as a tribute to his genius.

Condition & Value

The figures appear to be in excellent antique condition with no visible chips, cracks, or restorations to the delicate beak and tail areas. The inset glass eyes remain intact, and the natural patina of the unglazed clay has aged beautifully. Excellent preservation of the pair format significantly bolsters their value.