Pair of Cinnabar Double Gourd Vases

The entire surface of these 19th century cinnabar vases is masterfully carved with a garden of flowers. It is likely that they were offered as an important gift as each vase is carved with a beautifully rendered presentation ribbon. A mineral called cinnabar gives the vases this stunning red color. The double gourd is an ancient Chinese symbol of fertility and perpetuity; the art of lacquerware is equally ancient. The process to create this pair probably required 6-8 months. Chinese artisans worked for many generations to perfect the techniques that made lacquerware world-renowned. These original rosewood bases were hand-carved to complement this exquisite pair of vases.