A FINE WHITE JADE DOUBLE-GOURD VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of double-gourd form raised on an slightly recessed oval base, carved all around the exterior with gnarled leafy branches suspending eight smaller double-gourds, the domed cover carved as an extension of the body with a gnarled branch bearing more curled leaves, the stone of even white tone, wood stand

Bluett & Sons, London (according to label).

Sotheby's London, 25th May 1971, lot 12.

The double-gourd vase is in general good condition with the exception of minor nibbling to the extremities of the carving such as the leafy edges, and a 1.5 x 0.3cm natural white inclusion on the upper bulb. There is some chips to the leaves to the lower part of the cover. The stone is of a slightly darker tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Jade vessels carved in the form of double gourds were popular from the reign of the Qianlong emperor and the present piece is impressive for the finely carved leaves and the smooth polish of the body of the vase. A related example illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 154, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th November 2007, lot 1552; another was sold in our New York rooms, 11-12^th April 1990, lot 326; and a third vase was sold in these rooms, 14^th November 1967, lot 11. Compare also a carving of a double gourd similarly modelled with a twisting gourd vine in high relief in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages. Connoisseurship of Chinese Jades, vol. 12, Hong Kong, 1997,  pl. 59.

Due to its many seeds, the double gourd (mandai) is a symbol of fertility in China, and the lengthy network of string-like vines and tendrils suggests continuity; thus it can be used as a pun for 'ten thousand generations' (wandai). When hollowed out, the gourd is employed as a storage container for food, liquor or medicine to also symbolise abundance and good luck.