A Chinese gilt bronze incense holder and cover, 18th Century. Photo Uppsala Auktionskammare

The vessel carved in a double gourd form enveloped and held up by branches finely moulded in relief with delicate leaves and a spray of lingzhi fungus, the pierced removable cover also finely carved with fruiting branches of small peaches, traces of gilt throughout, the vessel set on an exquisitely carved hardwood stand. Length: 25 cm. Good condition. Estimate: SEK 8.000 - 12.000. Hammer price: SEK 80.000

Provenance: The Gustav and Lou Flodin Collection, Stockholm.

The peach fruit in is one of the richest in symbolism, making it the favoured fruit for design. It is associated with longevity, immortality and blessing for a new Spring or new beginning. The lingzhi fungus is, apart from its association with immortality, also a pun for the Chinese word intelligent(ling).
In its shape the lingzhi resembles the head of the ruyi, hence it can also represent the granting of ones wishes.

Uppsala Auktionskammare. Asian applied arts. Important sale 4 - 7 December 2012 www.uppsalaauktion.se