A white jade 'double-gourd' shallow brushwasher. Qianlong

A white jade 'double-gourd' shallow brushwasher. Qianlong

Finely carved as a double gourd with an irregular shaped inward-turning rim, emanating from a gnarled stem with large leaves curled at the edges and four smaller double-gourds flanking the vessel and carved on the reverse, carved in low relief on the interior and reverse with five bats (wu fu) amidst cloud scrolls, the stone of white tone with opaque inclusions, wood stand. 15.5cm (6in) long. (2). Sold for £9,000

Note: The double gourd is associated with longevity and Li Tieguai (one of the Eight Immortals) is often depicted with a double gourd. Five gourds as in the present lot (wuhulu) are a pun for Five Lakes referring to the five major lakes of China. Five bats (wufu), as carved on the brushwasher, is a pun for: May you have the Five Blessings (old age, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death). The combination of five bats and double gourds, is a pun for: May you have both blessings and wealth (fulu shuangquan).

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com