A Fine White Jade Double-Gourd Vase and Cover, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period. Photo Sotheby's

of double-gourd form raised on an slightly recessed oval base, carved all around the exterior with gnarled leafy branches suspending eight smaller double-gourds, the domed cover carved as an extension of the body with a gnarled branch bearing more curled leaves, the stone of even white tone, wood stand; 19.7cm., 7 3/4 in. Estimate 30,000—40,000 GBP. Lot Sold 217,250 GBP

PROVENANCE: Bluett & Sons, London (according to label)

Sotheby's London, 25th May 1971, lot 12.

NOTE: Jade vessels carved in the form of double gourds were popular from the reign of the Qianlong emperor and the present piece is impressive for the finely carved leaves and the smooth polish of the body of the vase. A related example illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 154, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th November 2007, lot 1552; another was sold in our New York rooms, 11-12^th April 1990, lot 326; and a third vase was sold in these rooms, 14^th November 1967, lot 11. Compare also a carving of a double gourd similarly modelled with a twisting gourd vine in high relief in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages. Connoisseurship of Chinese Jades, vol. 12, Hong Kong, 1997, pl. 59.

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

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 11 May 11, London www.sothebys.com