Dining Set in Gourd-Shaped Container China, Qing dynasty, 1700s–1800s (re-lacquered Japan, late 1940s) bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, h 23 inches (58.4 cm) Lutz Bamboo Collection, gift of Adelle Lutz and David Byrne 2004.885.1–.32

A dining set complete with wine pourer, wine cups, covered containers, bowls, and plates is nested into a hinged, gourd-shaped carrying case. The set is formed by weaving fine strands of bamboo into a subtle lozenge pattern and applying layers of paper and lacquer to make the case and vessels rigid. In China, the calabash or bottle gourd (hulu or huzi) was used as a container for food, liquor, and medicine. Full of seeds, it is symbolic of fertility, abundance, and good fortune. The bottle gourd is also associated with magic and immortality.

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