Chinese Medicine or Water Bottle ‘Hulu’
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
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
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.
Chinese Medicine or Water Bottle ‘Hulu’
SOLD