The laughing twins are often referred to as the Immortal Hehe Erxian, the Twin Spirits of Harmony and Joy, embodying the ideal of accord. As such, figures of boys were often considered appropriate gifts on the occasion of marriage conveying the wish for happiness, abundance and the birth of many sons.

While there are several known varieties of pose associated with the figures of boys, the present pair represent an unusual stance. The better known type are a bit more columnar with hands and vase nestled close to the chest, there are also examples with double topknots and foreign features standing on a square plinth, holding a cup, as well as a seated figure with legs splayed and, finally, a boy hunched over, carrying a smaller boy on his back; the latter two types have the same jovial open facial features as the present pair.