The connotation behind the present lot is symbolic of the Taoist sentiment“Three rams bring the beginning of prosperity in the morning” by relation tothe pronunciation of the word sheep in Chinese, as yang emblems representsthe sun according to the Taoist eight. Hence, the imagery of three ramsaltogether thus represents San yang kai tai . Compare with a jade ram in theCollection of the Asian art museum of San Francisco, illustrated in LaterChinese Jades. Ming dynasty to early twentieth century , San Francisco,pl.64, p.83. See also a jade group of three rams, illustrated in The completecollection of treasures of the palace museum . Jareware III, Hong Kong, 1995,pl.51, p.63.