A PAIR OF GREEN-GLAZED CERAMIC 'CRAB' WALL POCKETS, QING DYNASTY China, 1644-1912. Each modeled in the shape of a crab with bulging eyes, the legs folded along the body and the thick claws to the sides of the mouth forming the rim, covered with a thick layer of deep emerald-green glaze. (2)

Provenance: From a diplomatic collection in the United Kingdom, by repute acquired in Beijing during the 1950s, and thence by descent to the present owner.
Condition: Good condition with extensive old wear, some firing flaws, glaze flakes, minor chipping, and small touch-ups.

Weight: 977.0 g and 945.3 g
Dimensions: Length 22 cm and 21 cm

Literature comparison:
A related glazed crab water pot, dated to the 18^th century, 15.6 cm long, can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number C.342-1910.


清代一對綠釉蟹插
中國，1644-1912年。蟹形花插，雙眼圓瞪，蟹爪橫行，粗獷概括、生動有力。蟹身施青綠釉，釉色渾厚逼真、充滿生氣。

來源：英國一位外交官收藏，據説上世紀五十年代購於北京，保存至今。
品相：狀況良好，有大量舊時磨損、一些燒製缺陷、釉片剝落、輕微碎裂和小修補。

重量：分別為977.0 克與945.3 克
尺寸：分別長22 厘米 與 21 厘米

文獻比較：
一件相似的十八世紀白釉蟹插，15.6 厘米寬，見維多利亞和艾伯特博物館，館藏編號 C.342-1910。