A NATURAL DOUBLE GOURD, QINGChina, 18th - 19th century. This gourd has not been treated or embellished in any way, hence it serves purely as an item of inspiration. Most likely its original purpose was a scholars or literati desk object.Provenance: British private collection.Condition: Excellent original condition with old wear and a warm, naturally grown patina. Possibly some very minor losses to tip of stem.Weight: 216.3 grams.Dimensions: 42.5 cm.In terms of history, gourds (hu lu) were dried and used for keeping or transporting water, wine, medicines and magic potions. However, as with many other objects and symbols in Chinese beliefs, they also had a homophonic relationship with another "hu", signifying protection and blessing. Thus, gourds in China were used as charms for scaring away malefic spirits and diseases.清代天然葫蘆中國，十八至十九世紀。這個葫蘆沒有經過任何處理或裝飾，因此它完全是一種來自自然的靈感。有可能起初是學者或文人用來放在書桌上的裝飾品。來源： 英國私人收藏品相： 原始狀況保存極好，舊的磨損，天然而成的包漿。莖頂有些缺失。重量： 216.3 克尺寸： 42.5 厘米