Museum Updates
Sea goose-shaped candleholders from Wuhan Museum
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
China Bound
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Did you know the two "flying birds" are actually candleholders?
This pair of exquisite Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) green jade artifacts at Wuhan Museum in Hubei province features two sea geese holding pearls in their beaks, each standing atop a tortoise intertwined with a snake (Black Tortoise), and carrying candle trays on their heads. Their Chinese name "haiyan" is homophone of a phrase symbolizing peace and harmony under heaven.
Lifelike and beautifully crafted, the pieces reflect both artistic skill and auspicious wishes from ancient China.
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