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Double-Gourd Flask

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Double-Gourd Flask

Place of OriginChina
DateQing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795)
Dimensions9 1/4 × 4 3/4 in. (23.5 × 12.1 cm)
MediumTranslucent amber-colored non-lead glass; blown, carved, polished.
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number
2011.11
Not on View
DescriptionThe blown, carved, and cut translucent amber glass bottle in the shape of a gourd is decorated with fertility symbols such as pairs of goldfishes (koi) and conch shells. Circular foot, polished flat, with polished concave pontil mark in the center; marked in the polished pontil mark.
Label TextAccording to tradition, this double-gourd flask was a wedding gift to the original owners. The yellow (golden) gourd is a symbol of good fortune and health in Chinese culture and golden gourd-shaped vessels and objects are often used as wedding gifts. The fish decoration carved on the flask also has marital associations: fish symbolize wealth because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “abundance and affluence.” In addition, due to its reproductive success, the fish also signifies marriage and the birth of many children. A pair of fish, in particular, symbolizes conjugal happiness and freedom from restraint.Comparative ReferencesSee also Amber-colored Chinese glass: Yang Boda, “A brief account of Quing Dynasty glass,” in: Brown and Rabiner, Chinese glass of the Quing Dynasty, 1644-1911: The Robert H. Clague Collection, exhibition catalogue, Phoenix Art Museum, 1987, p.78.
Peach-shaped Brush Washer
Imperial Palace Workshop, Beijing
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Pitcher
Imperial Glass Works
1910-1920 or 1931-1940
Vase
Louis Comfort Tiffany
Probably 1912
Pan or Bowl
Franklin Glass Works (so-called Kent Glass Works)
1824-1832
Goblet
Probably 1875-1900
Candlestick
Probably 1900-1925
Goblet
Bryce Brothers Company
Probably 1895-1925
Saucedish
Boston and Sandwich Glass Works
1850-1865

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