Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (1271-1911) :

The sheep motif is commonly seen on porcelain during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In the Qing Dynasty, the image of three rams together was a common decoration on arts and crafts because people believed three rams would bring a propitious beginning.

[Photo/Artron.net]

L: A 6 cm snuff bottle from the middle Qing Dynasty is decorated with ram patterns.

R: A grey-white jade penholder from the Qing Dynasty is in the Palace Museum collection. Featuring a ewe and two little lambs crouched together, the vivid images convey a warm feeling.