QIANLONG CAST SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARKS WITHIN DOUBLE-SQUARES AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A RARE PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DOUBLE-GOURD VASES
QIANLONG CAST SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARKS WITHIN DOUBLE-SQUARES AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)
Each vase is enamelled around the globular body with two pairs of birds perched on a branch bearing white and purple begonia clusters and leaves in two shades of green, and on another branch with prunus blossoms. The waisted neck and garlic-mouth are decorated with lotus scrolls, all between ruyi collars and against a rich turquoise ground. The pair of loop handles are cast with gilt-bronze floral scrolls.
10 ½ in. (26.6 cm.) high

Provenance

Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1287

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The current pair of vases are notable for their elegant double gourd form with flowing 'S'-shape handles. This form appears to be associated with the highest order of imperial works of art dating the Qianlong reign, as displayed by the magnificent pair of famille rose 'butterfly' double gourd vases sold at Christie's King Street, 9 May 2017, lot 99. The double gourd is representative of fertility and good fortune and is thought to ward off evil.

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