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Finch & Co
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Chinese Medicine or Water Bottle ‘Hulu’
( China
1700 to 1800
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Medium
Gourd, Ivory and cord
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Literature:
Gourds have long been used in China as containers for medicine and liquids, for cricket cages and for toys. The gourd symbolises longevity and is a talisman that can ward off evil. The Daoist figure Li Tiequai is shown holding a double gourd in his hand, which is sometimes depicted with smoke curling from its mouth. This is variously ascribed to a potent medicine within the container, or to the freeing of deity’s spirit from his body.
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Description / Expertise
A Chinese Medicine or Water Bottle ‘Hulu’
In the form of a shaped and polished gourd with a carved ivory stopper and ring for the cord tie. An old label to the base
Old smooth glassy patina
18th Century
Size: 16.5cm high – 6½ ins high
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