Rare vase double-gourde en porcelaine bleu blanc. Chine, dynastie Ming, marque à six caractères et époque Wanli (1573-1619)
Rare vase double-gourde en porcelaine bleu blanc. Chine, dynastie Ming, marque à six caractères et époque Wanli (1573-1619). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2011
Entièrement décoré de rinceaux feuillagés et lotus épanouis, marque à six caractères de l'Empereur Wanli en bleu sous couverte à la base. Hauteur: 23,2 cm. (9 1/8 in.). Estimate €50,000 - €70,000 ($73,238 - $102,533)
Notes: Double gourds are symbols of longevity and immortality, and are believed by some to have the power to absorb evil vapors, safe-guarding those who carry them. They are often seen in the possession of Daoist immortals, and can represent the juxtaposition of heaven and earth, represented respectively by their upper and lower bulbs.
See another very similar Wanli blue and white double gourd-form vase sold in our Hong Kong Rooms, 27 May 2008, lot 1852.
Christie's. Art d'Asie, 7 June 2011, Paris www.christies.com