Images(3)

Mounted Double-Gourd Vase

Mount maker Unknown, French, 18th Century

Additional Title(s)

Double-Gourd Bottle with Scrolling Peony Design

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateporcelain: 1300-1350, mounts: 1745-1749

MediumStoneware with slip-trailed, molded and applied decoration, celadon glaze, gilt-bronze

Dimensions16 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 7 in. (41.9 x 24.1 x 17.8 cm.)

DescriptionThis finely crafted green celadon vase with a double gourd shape was originally designed and produced in 14th-century China as a serving jug. The gilt bronze mounts were added in France in the 18th century.

MarkingsMounts: Crowned C mark (tax mark for 1745-49)

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThis beautiful and rare sea green celadon vase dates back to the Yuan dynasty of 14th-century China. Its double gourd shape is nearly obscured, however, by an energetic tangle of leaves, tendrils, and grapes that weaves its way up its sides and around its middle to end in a spiral on top. These gilt bronze mounts were added in the 18th century, by which time the vase had found its way to France. The mounts were probably paired with the vase in the shop of a high-end Parisian retailer, adding an extra touch of luxury to an already precious antique.

Object number11.14