[Inkscape-user] filling a composed object

hi,

I have the following situation: I drew 2 calligraphic lines which cross each other, so they form a closed area. I did a union operation on them so they form 1 object. Now I wonder: how can I fill this object with a gradient? The fill color only fills the calligraphic lines :\ I tried making a cut through a filled rectangle, without success..

any tips? matthias