There is some debate as to whether the birds represented depict geese, or rather ducks with ornithologically incorrect long necks. In either case pairs of such birds, which mate for life, are a frequently found symbol in Chinese art, representing fidelity and marital bliss.

A very similarly carved red overlay on yellow glass bottle was sold at Millon et Jutheau, Nouveau Drouot, Paris, 2nd July 1984, lot 50.