A SMALL FAHUA DOUBLE-GOURD VASE Ming Dynasty The two bulbous sections decorated around the exterior with ivory-white lotus blossoms borne on aubergine-purple meandering leafy scrolls outlined in raised beading, all on a lustrous turquoise-blue ground, the narrow mouth-rim and interior glazed green. 14cm (5 1/2in) high. Footnotes: Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 明 法華彩葫蘆瓶 Provenance: acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, November 2006 (collector's notes) Published and Illustrated: M.White, Living at the Whites' House: Ceramics from the Mary and Peter White Collection, vol.4, n.p, 2023, p.294 來源： 獲得于倫敦古董商 R & G McPherson Antiques，2006年11月（藏家筆記） 著錄：M.White，《Living at the Whites' House: Ceramics from the Mary and Peter White Collection》，第4冊，無出版地，2023年，第294頁 Double-gourd forms, long associated with auspicious meaning and Daoist symbolism, enjoyed particular favour during the Jiajing reign of the Ming dynasty. Their connection with Daoist immortality is especially resonant in this period, reflecting the personal preoccupations of the Jiajing Emperor (r.1522-1566), who devoted much of his reign to the pursuit of longevity through alchemical and Daoist practices. See for example, a larger Fahua double-gourd bottle, early 16th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc.no.39.65.14a,b). See also another larger Fahua double-gourd vase, 16th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc.no.61.200.14). Compare with a related small Fahua double-gourd vase, 17th century, which was sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2014, lot 916. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing