Description:

With their many red seeds, pomegranates are symbols of fertility in China and other countries. They are also considered to be one of the ‘three blessed fruit’, along with the peach and the ‘Buddha’s hand citron’. Together the three fruit symbolise great fertility, long life and happiness.

The imperial workshop records for 1773 in Beijing mention ‘a pair pomegranate-shaped jars, red overlay’ for the Emperor to give to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Glass, carved in relief
Height: 5.2 cm, diameter: 5.1 cm, neck diameter: 1.3 cm
One of a pair with N4658

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1700-1800, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4659