清十八世紀 白玉「子孫萬代」圖葫蘆蓋瓶

carved and hollowed as a large section of a compressed double-gourd, the exterior detailed in high relief with gnarled leafy branches bearing four further small double-gourds, the base with a circular indentation resembling sepal remnants, the well-fitted cover carved as the remaining tip of the double-gourd below and surmounted with further leafy vines, the stone of an even pale celadon tone mottled with russet inclusions, wood stand

The overall condition is very good. There is an approximately 0.3 x 0.2 cm. small chip to the edge one leaf near the base. The cover has a small nick of approximately 0.5 cm. long to a leaf near the rim. The actual colour is slightly greener than 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."

In its rendering of leafy branches and double gourds, this fine vase represents the technical skill achieved by jade carvers of the 18th century. The incorporation of the natural russet-coloured inclusions of the skin, which accentuates the three-dimensionality of the carved subject, serves an aesthetic purpose and highlights the carver’s ability to minimise wastage of the precious stone.

A closely related vase was sold at Christie’s London, 15th May 2012, lot 159. Further examples of double-gourd vessels of this type include one illustrated in Rober Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simon Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 154, and sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1552; one from the collection of Mrs E. Dormer, sold in our London rooms, 14th November 1967, lot 11; another sold in our New York rooms, 11th and 12th April 1990, lot 326; and a fourth example sold in our London rooms, 25th May 1971, lot 12, and again, 11th May 2011, lot 112.

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