Object Details
Description
The exterior of this gourd is elaborately carved with a variety of designs. Immediately beneath the plain ivory rim is a band of stylized cloud collar, enclosed below by a horizontal band of fret motifs. The remainder of the surface is covered with hexagons and representations of the Eight Daoist Immortals: Li Tieguai, Zhongli Quan, Lan Caihe, Zhangguo Lao, He Xiangu, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu.
The lid is formed by a plain ivory rim within which is set a carved wooden representation of a pair of large leonine creatures encircled by smaller animals of this type. Inset into the bottom of the wooden section is a semi-circular dome of darker wood with a reticulated design. The eyes and tongues of the leonine creatures are inset in a darker wood.
Marks
Within a square cartouche on the base are carved the four characters: Qianlong yuwan. This cannot be taken as an accurate date.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Date
19th century
Period
Qing dynasty
Accession Number
F1984.38.3a-c
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Container
Medium
Gourd, ivory, tortoise shell
Dimensions
H x W: 12.4 x 6.5 cm (4 7/8 x 2 9/16 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
lion
Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
cricket
Immortal Woman He
Royal Uncle Cao
Lan Caihe
Lu Dongbin
Philosopher Han Xiang
Zhongli Quan
Iron-Crutch Li
China
Chinese Art
Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1984.38.3a-c