Lot 8: Property of Dr. Martin Roshco

Imperial, Beijing Palace workshops, 1720-1800
Of compressed double gourd form, with a flat lip and a concave foot, the interior extremely well-hollowed, the exterior sides carved with floral motifs, the front and back both carved with the characters da ji 'Great Auspiciousness.'
2 1/2in (6.6cm) high

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Provenance:
Christie's, New York, March 21, 1997 lot 244

A popular decorative motif in Chinese material culture, the double gourd carries allusions to longevity as a hollowed gourd would be worn by a figure carrying the elixir of immortality. Double gourds were also a frequently used form for snuff bottles and the skill of interior hollowing would challenge even the most talented craftsman. This bottle is exceptionally well-hollowed, with the interior matching the exterior form.