QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The decoration on these vases includes many auspicious symbols. The double-gourd is associated with Daoism, as it is the attribute of the immortal Li Tieguai; it is also symbolic of prosperity and abundance, and in particular, an abundance of male children. This theme of abundance is reinforced by the characters, da ji, 'great auspiciousness', in enamel.