Chinese Molded Gourds
Molding gourds began in the Ming dynasty of China as a means of pleasing the emperor who loved gourds so much that he slept holding a gourd in his hand. The art died out in the beginning of the 20th century and even during that time, there was but one family who knew the secret. The artistry of molding gourds was revived through Mr. Zhang’s exhaustive research and study. There are few people in the world who possess the skill to produce such beautiful and delicate works of art as these molded gourds.
Early in its life, the gourd blossom is hand fertilized, then tied closed to protect the genetics of the gourd. When the pepo (gourd "fruit") begins to grow, the shriveled flower is removed, and the tiny fruit is inserted into a mold. There it matures and grows into the shape and pattern of the mold. Given patience, the proper care and weather, and of course the right variety of gourd and a perfectly made mold, when the mold is opened there will be a exquisitely formed shape. This gourd is then cleaned inside and out, and perhaps stained with natural dyes before being fitted with a custom made closure device. Many months of care during growth and a careful final process are required to produce these pieces.
There are several artists in China who practice this art. However, the Zhang family that produces these pieces are considered to be the most skilled in the country, creating the most beautiful molded gourds. They grow these carefully, slowly, and with exhaustive attention to the minute details necessary to produce such lovely pieces. You will own a piece that has its roots in history, and was created by a craftsman who spent years researching the Ming dynasty gourds, and many more years in the garden honing his craft. Molded gourds are very difficult to find; each one is different because of the natural differences in the mature gourd.
Please visit www.finchgourd.com to buy the wonderful book about Mr Zhang Cairi and his gourd art!
SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE. These are all one-of-a-kind, each one unique. When it is sold we will remove it from our website as quickly as possible. The is some small chance you'll see it before we remove it, in those cases we apologize for the prior sale.
We have a number of other ones, small and large, available. If you have seen one pictured in the new book on molded gourds, let us know and we will tell if you it is stock.