Double Gourd Flask on Stand

Fresh gourds have many seeds and in China and Tibet are often used as auspicious symbols of fertility. They also had many practical uses: gourds could be eaten when fresh; when dried, people turned them into ladles, flasks, or even into musical instruments. This double gourd flask was made in Tibet 150 years ago and is still in remarkable condition—the top is decorated in silver inset with turquoise stones, and the bottom is set into a beautiful custom base.