IMPERIAL, JINGDEZHEN KILNS, QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN IRON-RED WITHIN A DOUBLE SQUARE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

The double-gourd was a popular form for snuff bottles, appreciated not only for its tactile qualities when held in the hand, but for its auspicious symbolism, representing abundance, and its association with Daoism. The gourd growing on a vine formed the rebus guadie mianmian (may you have numerous descendants). The auspicious symbolism is reinforced by the five bats, which represent the five joys of a perfectly fulfilled life: longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.

Compare the Qianlong-marked famille rose porcelain double-gourd bottle with very similar design, but the elements not molded in relief, illustrated by R. Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles in the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, London, 1995, p. 291, no. 193.