A RARE CONJOINED TRIPLE-NECK DOUBLE-GOURD VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

the three double-gourd vases conjoined together forming three lobes rising to three separate tubular necks, the iron-red body decorated in gilt on each section with a formal lotus flower head centred on a scrolling ground with attendant flowers and further surrounded by bats and the wan symbol, the cinched waist belted with a band of stylised florets above a ruyi head skirt, the interior of the necks glazed turquoise

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York.

There is a 0.5cm grit on one of the lotus flowers which has been polished down and decorated over, possibly original to the piece. There are also scratches and 3 areas of loss to the turquoise enamel on the underside of the vase. The overall condition of this lot is good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jiaqing gourd-shaped vessels of this type and decoration are extremely rare although a closely related conjoined double-gourd vase decorated in white slip on a celadon ground is illustrated in Zhongguo taoci quanji, vol. 15, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 146. For a later example, see a Xianfeng period vase of this form, decorated in gilt on a blue ground, in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated ibid., pl. 183; and another sold in our London rooms, 11^th June 1996, lot 106.

The gourd, a Daoist symbol and closely associated with Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Daoist Immortals, was seen as representing heaven and earth and became an auspicious symbol as the name hulu (gourd) sounds as fulu meaning 'happiness and prosperity'. Because of its many seeds, the gourd also represented fertility. Thus, combined with the predominance of lotus, symbolising marriage, the present piece may have been presented as a marriage vase.   

A Jiaqing double-gourd vase of this decoration, formerly in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, was sold at Christie's New York, 21^st September 2000, lot 379, and again at Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th April 2002, lot 574; and another was sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2007, lot 509.