Gourd-Shaped Shaoxing Wine Vessel with Relief Inscription
Ceramic decorative art, bottle/flask format • Traditional Chinese ceramic workshop / Anonymous folk or commercial potter
Style & Movement
Traditional Chinese Decorative Arts, revivalist style
Medium & Technique
Porcelain or stoneware with celadon-type glaze, slip-trailed or molded relief decoration, and cork stopper
Creation Period
Mid-20th to Late 20th Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 to 12 inches in height, vertical gourd format
Subject Description
A double-gourd (hulu) shaped ceramic vessel featuring molded Chinese characters in relief on the lower bulb, referencing Shaoxing wine, traditionally associated with prosperity, longevity, and fertility in Chinese culture
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good condition. The glaze appears intact with no major visible structural cracks, though minor surface wear may be present.
Estimated Market Value
50 USD - 150 USD
Auction Estimate
30 USD - 80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a commercial export item or decorative souvenir from China, passing through private domestic collections.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the continuation of traditional Chinese ceramic forms, specifically the auspicious double-gourd motif combined with commercial regional labeling for Shaoxing rice wine.
Notable Features
Distinctive double-gourd silhouette with an attached miniature gourd accent and molded Chinese characters reading 'Shaoxing Jiu' (Shaoxing wine) on the lower body, sealed with a fitted cork.
Condition Issues
None immediately apparent from the visual evidence, apart from standard aging of the cork stopper.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep clean with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Store in a stable indoor environment away from extreme temperature shifts.