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Vase in the Shape of Double Gourds
(China )
This vase, made in the Qing dynasty during the reign of Qianlong, imitates Guan ware of the Song dynasty. While gourd-shaped vases in the Song dynasty follow the natural shape of a gourd, augmented gourd shapes appear in the Qing dynasty. Seen from the front, a bud-shaped upper body is mirrored by a larger lower body. The upper and lower parts are joined by a narrow waist and two "S' curved handles. In contrast to rounded gourds, the upper and lower bodies of the vase are rectangular.
The most appealing characteristic of the vase is the color of its glaze. The icy sky-blue glaze is clear and uniform, resembling a piece of jade. Because of the distinguished status of jade in Chinese traditions, "like ice and jade" is the highest praise for a piece of porcelain. Wide crackles with a golden hint suffuse the body.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876; purchased by William T. Walters, Baltimore, 1876; inherited by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894; bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
Exhibitions
| 1876 | Centennial Exhibition Philadelphia. Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, Philadelphia. |
Geographies
China (Place of Origin)
Measurements
8 9/16 in. (21.8 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. Walters, 1876
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
49.1154