清 瑪瑙葫蘆瓶|Bottle in the shape of a double gourd

Unknown

19th century · Carnelian · Asian Art

The double gourd holds considerable appeal among the Chinese. In addition to its peculiar shape, it is associated with the fantasy world: immortals and legendary figures are believed to use double gourds to carry medicines with magic power. Numerous baby gourds hanging from a single vine, as shown on this bottle, allude to multiple offspring and a continuation of the family line.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Carnelian

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Alfred W. Hoyt Collection, Bequest of Rosina H. Hoppin, 1965