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Lot 214

A large blue and white double-gourd vase
Jiajing

13 May 2010, 10:30 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £24,000 inc. premium

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A large blue and white double-gourd vase

Jiajing
Robustly potted, the lower section of the gourd of square form, rising to a bulbous upper section, painted around the sides with numerous 'Shou' medallions of differing sizes framed by cloud and flame scrolls, all above crashing waves at the foot and with a border of ruyi-heads at the neck.
61.4cm (23¾in) high.

Footnotes

The Jiajing Emperor was a devout Daoist and his preoccupation with the attainment of long life is visible in the works of art produced under his reign. The double-gourd is a popular symbol of longevity and is associated with the Daoist Immortal Li Tiegui, who is depicted holding a double gourd containing the elixir of immortality. The 'Shou' medallions, meaning 'longevity', further emphasise this symbolic quest for immortality.

Compare another Jiajing period double-gourd vase of similar form decorated with 'Shou' medallions and Shoulao, the god of immortality, sold at Christie's 21 September 2004, lot 243. Another with various stylised 'Shou' medallions is illustrated by J.A. Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, London, 1981, pl.86, fig.29.477.

Additional information

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