A PAIR OF SILVER MELON-SHAPED 'EIGHT IMMORTALS' BOXES AND COVERS

Qing Dynasty

Footnotes

清 銀瓜瓞綿綿八仙紋胭脂盒一對

The pumpkin-shaped design presented in pairs to symbolize the auspicious meaning of continuous prosperity. The upper section is exquisitely adorned with bat motifs, while the lower part features a natural, segmented design resembling pumpkin petals. The 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea' motif is artfully distributed among the petal-like sections. The reverse bears the engraved inscription 'Daxing'. The continuous vine pattern symbolizes the proliferation of descendants and enduring blessings, while the intertwining vines imply family prosperity and generational flourishing. The Eight Immortals embody cultural connotations of longevity, well-being, and supernatural prowess, echoing the traditional auspicious theme of celebrating longevity.

This pair of silver boxes demonstrates ingenious craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating natural imagery, mythical beliefs, and the refined tastes of the inner chambers. They served not only as exquisite accessories for Qing dynasty women's trousseaus but also as tangible carriers of traditional auspicious culture. Their design embodies a dual meaning: wishing for the prosperity of offspring while also expressing the aspiration for eternal life and freedom. Within this compact space, the artisans' ingenious conception unfolds, the user's heartfelt aspirations are embodied, and the aesthetic sensibilities and spiritual beliefs of a specific historical era are reflected.

盒呈南瓜形制，以成對形式呈現，取瓜瓞綿綿之吉祥寓意。盒體上部精飾蝙蝠紋樣，下部作瓜瓣狀自然分瓣造型，八仙過海紋飾巧妙分佈于各瓣葉間。盒背鐫刻「大興」款識，其瓜瓞綿綿紋樣象徵子孫繁衍、福澤綿長，藤蔓纏繞之態暗喻家族昌盛、世代興旺；八仙形象則承載長壽安康與神通廣大的文化內涵，呼應八仙慶壽的傳統祥瑞主題。

此對銀盒匠心獨運，將自然物象、神話信仰與閨閣雅趣完美融合，既為清代女性妝奩之精緻陳設，更是傳統吉祥文化的物質載體。其設計一器雙關：既祈願子嗣興旺，又寄寓長生逍遙之志。方寸之間，既展現匠師之精妙構思，又承載使用者之美好祈願，更折射出特定歷史時期的審美取向與精神信仰。