Bottle in the shape of a double gourd

China

Not on view

The double gourd holds considerable appeal among the Chinese. In addition to its peculiar shape, it is associated with the fantasy world: immortals and legendary figures are believed to use double gourds to carry medicines with magic power. Numerous baby gourds hanging from a single vine, as shown on this bottle, allude to multiple offspring and a continuation of the family line.

Bottle in the shape of a double gourd, Carnelian, China

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Bottle in the shape of a double gourd, Carnelian, China
Bottle in the shape of a double gourd, Carnelian, China

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