Bidspirit auction | Beautiful Azure Blue Double-Gourd Hulu

Beautiful Azure Blue Double-Gourd Hulu Vase with Ming Wanli Base Mark - Beautiful azure blue double-gourd hulu vase with Ming Wanli base mark China, probably 20th century. Porcelain with beautiful azure blue glaze. H. 18.5 cm. Underglaze blue base mark within two blue rings: Da Ming Wanli Nianzhi (Made during the Wanli period, 1573-1620, of the Great Ming Dynasty). Condition: Foot rim rubbed. The hulu (gourd-shaped) form carries strong symbolic significance in Chinese art. It is traditionally associated with good fortune, prosperity, protection, and health, and was considered a means to ward off evil spirits. The symbolism also arises from the phonetic similarity between húlu and fúlù (good fortune and wealth).