A pair of ducks
There’s always more to the story
In a previous article I provided some insight into the role of story in creating a satisfactory social order around the meaning of objects. In particular, I used the example of Marion Mathieson’s quest to acquire a pair of Ming dynasty porcelain vases, and the efforts her dealer Carole Potter went through to provide a satisfactory if not perfect solution to her quest. In this article I offer a glimpse into how the portion of her quest not satisfied by the vases was addressed.
Among the seven pieces of Oriental porcelain that Mathieson left to Cape Breton University in her will was a celadon water jug in the shape of twin ducks. Even in its damaged condition it is a relatively valuable piece — likely to fetch a few thousand dollars at auction.
While we don’t have access to any documentation regarding how the issue of purchasing the ducks was initiated, the following is an excerpt from a letter from Potter to Mathieson dated 28 February1983:
Ducks are very dear to Chinese folklore — hence the “Mandarin Duck” fund with a third wing — this is a legend, not a fact. In most Chinese paintings one finds the twin ducks — symbols of connubial felicity — or a happy marriage or symbolic of eternal faithfulness. Hope you will love them as much as I do. They are charming and have a personality all of their own — a true scholar’s handtool — a water dropper. It is elegant and beautiful.
I haven’t been able to locate any mention of a legend or folktale about a Mandarin duck with a third wing in any Chinese or other Asian source. The only reference to a three-winged duck I could find was the product of pure modern fiction. Writers for a popular made-for-TV movie series (1972–1974) about the adventures of an insurance investigator named Thomas Banacek created a number of so-called “Polish” proverbs that the principal character would spout at opportune times, one of which was: “A duck with three wings and a loaf of bread is brother to the turkey.” Huh!? As for the references to marriage and fidelity, this symbolism is well documented.
As for some verifiable facts about the piece, the invoice for the twin ducks dated 1 March1983 indicates that the piece had previously been part of the Gump collection, and was dated circa 1600. In a letter dated 6 April 1983, Potter provides the further detail that the piece had been exhibited at Christie’s in New York in July 1980.
Solomon and Gustav Gump established a luxury furnishings store in San Francisco in 1861 and built a successful business catering to a new class of wealthy customers — benefactors of the California Gold Rush. Following the 1906 earthquake, Gustav’s son Livingston rebuilt the business and sent buyers to China and Japan to expand the retailer’s offerings in exotic art and accessories.
Twin ducks may not be a pair of vases, but they did provide Mathieson with something from the Ming dynasty.
The stories never end, they just expose layer after deeper layer of meaning to the object they’re attached to.
