Large shallow bowls carved from jade, with two lose ring handles, were deemed appropriate as wedding gifts and are typically described as ‘wedding bowls’. The carved imagery often reinforces this association. Here the handles are formed as a pair of butterflies, symbolic of conjugal happiness. The peony and lingzhi fungus of the interior are for long life and prosperity.

Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd, London (label on the base); accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum.

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2