Lot 1049. A rare small red-overlay white glass double-gourd vase, probably Palace Workshops, Beijing, 18th century; 3 7/8 in. (9.9 cm.) high. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 5,625. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The body is carved in relief through the ruby red overlay to the opaque white ground with five bats (wufu) flying amidst trailing clouds on the lower body and with shou symbols and further bats on the upper body, all beneath key fret and inverted lappets encircling the neck. 

Note: The Qianlong Emperor appears to have had a particular fascination with carved red-overlay glass works; the first entries in the Palace Archives relating to glass in the first year of the Qianlong reign cite an order for two red-overlay glass vases, one on an opaque white ground (see Luster of Autumn Water - Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, p. 74).