91 A very fine cloisonné enamel basin Qianlong period Diameter: 22 5/8 in, 57.4 cm the well is boldly decorated with a two-horned, scaly dragon pursuing a flaming pearl amid clouds and above crested waves, the slightly rounded walls with scrolling lotus and strings of pearls, the widely everted rim with five shaped panels, each containing a shou character flanked by confronting dragons, reserved against a lotus and pearl ground, and the exterior sides with elaborate scrolling lotus. The upturned gilt edge is chased with key-fret and the underside of the rim is also gilt.

Such large basins are usually found in the late Ming period. This example is rare, not only for its date, but also for the superb quality of the enamelling and the motif of a confronting dragon which is more often associated with designs on porcelain of the Qing dynasty.