Object Details
Description
Molded into the surface of this gourd is a design of pine trees and cranes, both traditional symbols of longevity (and a long and happy marriage), in China. An ivory foot and lid enframes both ends of the gourd. A plain ivory rim enframes the reticulated tortoise shell section of the lid. The carved decoration of the raised section of the tortoise shell is based on plum blossoms. A flat layer of tortoise shell is pierced by geometric designs.
a=gourd; b=ivory and wood lid; c= silk pouch with black, yellow, lavender and aqua embroidered trellis design. There is no lining with this pouch.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
On Becoming Immortal (May 9, 1993 to August 15, 1994)
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Date
19th century
Period
Qing dynasty
Accession Number
F1984.38.11a-c
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Container
Medium
Gourd, ivory, tortoise shell
Dimensions
H x W: 14.4 x 5.4 cm (5 11/16 x 2 1/8 in)
Origin
China
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
gourd
ivory
tortoise shell
pine tree
Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
cricket
China
Chinese Art
Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1984.38.11a-c