*A DOUBLE GOURD SHAPED ‘FOUR GENTLEMEN’ BLUE AND...

*A DOUBLE GOURD SHAPED ‘FOUR GENTLEMEN’ BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN VASE, HULUPING
China, Transitional period, 17th century
Painted to the bulbous lower body with scattered sprays of lotus, orchid, bamboo, prunus, peony and chrysanthemum, the flaring upper body with similar decoration, divided by a band of a trailing flowering branches
H: 36,4 cm Notes:
1. The orchid, bamboo, plum and chrysanthemum are know as “The Four Gentlemen” (四君子, sìjūnzǐ). Each of them represents one of the seasons. All together, they represent a year. The plum and bamboo together signify friendship. A vase (瓶, píng) with flowers from all four seasons ( 四季, sìjì) conveys the hidden meaning of peace for all the year (四 季平 安, sìjì píng'ān).
2. The shape of this vase is referred to as húlu píng (葫芦瓶) and derives Huluping its form from a double gourd, a shape that was made possible by the invention of the Longquan Kiln during the Southern Song dynasty. As a symbol of fertility, the double gourd is considered to be good luck. It is also a Daoist emblem of immortality.
3. Compare with a related vase at Christie’s Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2012/10/2-3, lot 294 sold for €15.000 BP incl.

双葫芦形“四君子”青花瓷瓶，葫芦瓶
中国，过渡时期，17世纪

* Lot imported from outside the EU under Temporary Admission. For Buyers in Ireland 13.5% import VAT will be charged on the hammer and 23% VAT will be charged on the buyers premium and invoiced on an inclusive basis under Irish Margin Scheme rules. Please see the title page VAT towards the back of the catalogue for more information. Buyers from other countries shouldfamiliarise themselves with rates of import duty in the country to which these goods may be exported