Page 84 - Bonhams May 16, 2019 London Asian Art

(detail top gourd)

(detail bottom gourd)

The painting on the current vase is both dynamic and evocative, while concern became the quest for Immortality. Self-promoting officials
the shape and size of the vessel give it real presence. Its high quality at court were quick to realise that they could advance further up the
combined with the themes of Daoism and immortality would have official hierarchy and stay in favour with the emperor by writing Daoist-
made it most appropriate for the celebration of the birthday of the style memorials and notes to him. Unsurprisingly the court arts of his
Jiajing emperor who was a devout Daoist and whose overwhelming reign frequently bore themes associated with Daoism and longevity.
aim was to achieve long life. A very similar large double gourd-shaped
vase, Jiajing six-character mark and of the period, is in the British The double-gourd shape was the ideal canvas for a Daoist theme as
Museum, illustrated by J.Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British it was associated with containing magic potions and Daoist elixirs.
Museum, London, 2001, pp.231-232, no.9:36. The lower bulb is painted with popular Daoist deities processing with
gifts for a bearded Daoist deity, probably Shoulao, shown seated on
The Jiajing emperor was particularly fervent in his Daoist beliefs among a flat rock throne beneath a spreading pine tree, accompanied by
the Ming dynasty emperors. He poured large sums of money into the an auspicious crane. Shoulao glances to his left at Liu Hai and his
construction of Daoist temples and the performance of Daoist rituals. three-legged toad dancing wildly. Behind him a man carries a large
Following frustration with his ministers and court politics at large, he auspicious lingzhi fungus. Next is an official carrying a large vase from
developed into an adherent of alchemical Daoism and his overriding which issue a pictogram, an ewer and another pictogram, possibly in

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