Lot 1294. An unusual wucai double-gourd-form vase, Wanli period (1573-1619); 10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 25,000. Price realised USD 22,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The lower bulb is decorated with scrolling tendrils and wan characters surrounding four blue-ground double gourds enclosing the characters da ji (good fortune), while the upper bulb is similarly decorated with two double gourds that are separated by a ribbon-tied bell and conch shell. A band of classic scroll reserved on an iron-red ground encircles the waist and a band of petal lappets encircles the neck.. 

Provenance: Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong.

Note: A vase of identical design and size in the Palace Museum Collection, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Treasures of the Palace Museum - 38 - Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, Hong Kong, 1999, no. 29.