The double-gourd or calabash was an ancient symbol of unity between heaven and earth in China, the upper part representing heaven, and the lower part earth. Decorated as it is with yet another Daoist symbol of immortality, the lingzhi or 'sacred fungus', one can begin to understand the important interaction between viewer and object that was a key element of art appreciation in China. The inclusion of dragons in the design would suggest a wish for 'longevity' for both the emperor and the dynastic line. Painted entirely in underglaze blue, the vase depicts nine dragons striding amongst clouds above a sea of waves. This, along with the clouds, which have been painted in a combination of both pale washes and textural strokes, makes a most lively and interesting composition.
Dragons have a long history of being associated with the emperor in China.
In this particular example, however, it is his authority and power that appear to be underlined. One is, once again, left in wonder at the incredible skill of the craftsmen that produced this piece, especially in view of the fact that when painting with cobalt pigment one cannot see the different shades or tones being produced until a piece is fired. Included amongst the eight objects for the writing table, the vases are better known with a peach-bloom glaze. Examples in celadon are extremely rare. Fourteen of the 19 pieces from this sale were on view at Sotheby's in London on 14-15 September.