Lot 3189. A famille-rose 'daji' double-gourd plaque, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 35.3 cm., 13 7/8 in. Estimate 300,000 — 400,000 HKD (29,357 — 39,143 EUR). Lot sold 375,000 HKD (36,697 EUR). Photo: Sotheby's.

the porcelain body moulded in the form of a double-gourd supported on an ornate simulated wood stand, tied at the waist with drapery enamelled in green, the upper bulb gilded with the character 'da' within a white glazed medallion, the lower bulb with the character 'ji', each surrounded by five gilded bats forming the Wu Fuagainst an iron-red brocade pattern ground, all below a gilded bat at the turquoise-glazed mouth, carved wooden frame.

Provenance: Christie's Hong Kong, 30th October 2001, lot 743.

Note: Gourd-shaped vases inscribed with the characters da ji (great happiness) are traditional good luck charms. Compare adaji plaque sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2nd May 1995, lot 156. See also a similar daji hanging vase in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Selected Ceramics from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hu, Shanghai, 1989, pl. 70.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Hong Kong, 04 Apr 2012