Expert's note: The treatment of the layer of black tourmaline needles within the rock crystal pebble, cleverly chosen by the lapidary to create an 'overlay-like' appearance, is quite unusual.

China. Well hollowed, the stone finely carved as a fluted gourd issuing leaves and scrolling vines, the needle-like inclusions of black tourmaline concentrated in one area which has been skillfully carved to depict two monkeys clambering up the gourd.

Provenance: Gurie Gallery, Montreal, prior to 1970. Collection of Christopher and Genevieve McConnell, acquired from the above. Gurie Gallery, established by the esteemed Gurevich family, traces its origins to Harbin in northeastern China during the first half of the 20th century. Relocating to Canada in the 1950s, the family transplanted its passion for art and design to Montreal, where Gurie Gallery blossomed into a venerable institution within the art and design community. Christopher McConell, a Montreal born engineer and his wife Genevieve, a French doctor of osteopathy and research artist, are both avid collectors of African, Indian, and Chinese art.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, little nibbling, and light surface scratches. The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into thin hairline cracks.

Stopper: Turquoise, carved spoon
Weight: 130 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 80 mm. Diameter mouth 7 mm

Monkeys and gourds are a classic motif of Chinese lapidary art, and while there appears to be no pun or rebus involved in this combination, there is a noteworthy literary connection between the two. In an episode of the classic Journey to the West, the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) receives word that demons are on their way to capture him with their magic gourd. Sun Wukong disguises himself as an immortal and goes to meet them and unaware of his true identity, the demons show him their magic gourd which can hold ten thousand people. The Monkey King then shows the demons a gourd of his own and tells them it can hold the entire universe. After the demons express their willingness to swap their magic gourd for his if he can prove its power, Sun Wukong quickly obtains permission from the spirits to block the light of the sun, moon, and stars for one hour, and is thus able to deceive his enemies into thinking that he has bottled up the heavens and triumphant in swapping his ordinary gourd for their magic one.