A 19th Century Qing Dynasty Sang de Boeuf Porcelain Vase

A 19th century sang de boeuf glazed porcelain vase of gourd form with trumpet neck.

The gourd form has a longstanding place in the tradition of Chinese art. The calabash, a long, double-gourd shaped squash on which it is modelled, can be used as food, a vessel, for musical instruments, medicinal and many more purposes. Further to this, the Chinese character for the gourd (hulu 葫芦) can be interpreted as a symbol for protection, blessing and guardianship. If pronounced slightly differently, it also stands for for happiness and good fortune. In Feng Shui, connections to the womb, fertility and energy flow are also common.

Qing Dynasty, Xianfeng Period (1851 – 1861)

Neck restored.