A RARE SHUNZHI DOUBLE-GOURD EWER , Shunzhi 1644-1661
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Elegantly potted of classic double-gourd form, with a full, rounded lower lobe rising to a smaller curving upper lobe, applied with a curved spout attached to the shoulder with a...
Elegantly potted of classic double-gourd form, with a full, rounded lower lobe rising to a smaller curving upper lobe, applied with a curved spout attached to the shoulder with a scroll-shaped stretcher, opposite the handle, painted in shades of underglaze cobalt blue. The upper part decorated with foliate blooming peony, the lower bulb with a scholar reclining in a terraced garden in front of stylised plants and plantain, repeated on both sides, fitted with later slim silvery spout rim, mount and cover.
Literature
For a similar shape in a Shunzhi wucai example but without figure decoration see: The British Museum here.
The shape of a double gourd (葫蘆 hulu), is a homophone for 'fortune and emolument' (福祿 fulu), and seen as an auspicious emblem associated with prosperity and official success.
During the political upheaval of the late Ming and early Qing, literati-themed wares were popular, as the notions of traditional values and stability associated with the ancient scholars offered a connection to an idealised past. The peaceful scene here of a scholar seated, contemplating, gives the feel of removing himself from the politics and instead concentrating on activities such as music and poetry and philosophical discussion.
Scholars were also often associated with bamboo, as the plant, which bends low with the wind but never breaks, represents moral integrity and unbreakable principles.
