Enamel and gilt "Hulu" vase, Qing dynasty

Gourd-shaped porcelain vase decorated with the eight trigrams, "八卦葫芦瓶" (Bāguà húlu píng), in red and green enamel and gold details on a white underglaze background.

The lower part is square with rounded corners covered by panels with lobed cartouches of lotuses, gilt on a red background, between a network of interlocking circles. It is followed by clouds of "ruyi" on the shoulders, a line of petals, and a narrow waist with a band of lotuses in the center. The top is globe-shaped and enamelled with eight trigram medallions interspersed by larger gold lotus medallions on a trellis pattern. Lastly, there are two bands, one with frets and the other with lotuses.

Height: 25.50 cm; Width: 11.50 cm

Provenance: European private collection.