Gourd Shaped Ornament

Qing Dynasty
Papier Mache
China
W:28cm x H:13.5cm

Eccentric Ornament Gourd; grown into an eccentric form by being tied during growth. Undecorated gourds. They were valued for their pleasant shapes and patination, and for their symbolism; it was not at all unusual to have a few about the studio or home, hanging from a stick, a piece of furniture, or a ruyi, set on a stand, or just lying on a table or in a bowl or dish.

This example, which from a certain angle resembles a young goose, has been restrained during growth by a series of cords to achieve a delightfully eccentric form.