Beschreibung:

A FINE AND RARE PAIR OF GREEN-GLAZED INCISED DOUBLE-GOURD VASESKangxi
Densely and delicately carved on the larger lower and upper pear-shaped section of the body with large-headed tree peony in a continuous meander within curling leaf sprays, the carving of particularly attractive quality, all under a pale translucent green glaze. 44cm (17 1/2in) high. (2).Footnotes清康熙 青釉纏枝牡丹紋葫蘆瓶一對
Provenance:
An American private collection
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, 5 May 2017
A European private collection
來源：
美國私人收藏
Ralph M. Chait Galleries，紐約，2017年5月5日
歐洲私人收藏
The present pair of vases is notable for its exquisite luminous green glaze, the purity of which accentuates the graceful curves of its shape. This glaze was created in imitation of Longquan celadon vases of the Southern Song and Yuan periods and reflects the penchant for early wares and the remarkable technical developments achieved at the kilns of the time.
According to the 'Commemorative stele on ceramic production', compiled in 1735 by Tang Ying (1682-1756), supervisor of the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, several varieties of celadon glazes were experimented with at the time; see S.W.Bushell, Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p.197.
The double gourd, hulu, was highly regarded in the Ming and Qing dynasties as it underscored auspicious symbolism concerning fertility and progeny, because of the large number of its seeds. It was also an important symbol of Daoism and was particularly associated with Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, who is often depicted with a double gourd at his waist containing the elixir of Immortality. In addition, the Chinese word for double gourd forms a rebus with the phrase Fulu, meaning happiness and prosperity through government positions.
The shape of the present vases closely compares with a related pair of celadon-glazed 'double-gourd' vases, 18th century, which was sold at Christie's London, 8 July 2010, lot 1026.