A CLOISONNÉ-INSET GRAY JADE 'DOUBLE GOURD' WALL VASE Late Qing dynastyPROPERTY OF ANOTHER OWNERA CLOISONNE-INSET GRAY JADE 'DOUBLE GOURD' WALL VASELate Qing dynastyThe translucent ash-gray stone with celadon undertones, carved as a double gourd with two generously proportioned bulbs rising to a flared mouth, the principal side incised all over with a diaper pattern enclosing 'shou' characters, each bulb centered with an inset cloisonné medallion inscribed with 'Jiang' and 'Shan', respectively, amidst polychrome leaves and a blue ground, the reverse inset with two gilt-metal roundels cast with floral scroll, the upper roundel with a T-shaped recession for suspension, the surrounding stone incised with cloud scrolls, all set over an affixed gilt-metal stand cast with ruyi feet and embellished with champlevé enamels. 8 3/4in (22.2cm) high, overall Provenance:Sara Fredericks (1903-1986), likely acquired in the 1960s in New York, thence by descentThe present wall vase with its implied wishes for good fortune and long life through the double gourd iconography, and the richness of its designs and materials, was likely produced as a birthday gift. The inscription on the cloisonné roundels reading Jiangshan may refer to the city of Jiangshan in the southwest of Zhejiang province, which could have been the place of manufacture, or the home of the recipient, of this piece. Alternately, it may refer more abstractly to the 'rivers and mountains' (in other words, the vast domain of the empire), and express a wish for the prosperity and endurance of the Qing dynasty.Sara Fredericks (1903-1986) was a socialite and premier retailer who specialized in luxury women's apparel. She was friends with top fashion designers including James Galanos, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Hubert de Givenchy, and her company, Sara Fredericks Salon Shops, carried clothes by these designers as well as by Chanel, Chloe, and other iconic brands. The company had locations in Miami, Palm Beach, Sarasota, New York City, and Boston.