Lot 332. A very rare large gilt and silver-decorated celadon-ground foliate basin, Qianlong six-character mark in underglaze-blue and of the period (1736-1795); 15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) wide. Estimate £60,000 – £80,000 ($91,920 - $122,560). Price realised GBP 242,500. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The sturdily potted vessel is finely decorated to the interior with a shou character roundel surrounded by stylised foliate and ruyi scrolls. The interior of the deep rounded walls are painted with a band of stylised bats suspending wanemblems. The everted rim is decorated with archaistic dragon scrolls with lotus sprays, with the edges moulded withruyi heads. The exterior is decorated with a band of lotus blooms interspersed with musical chimes, above a moulded lappet border and a band of classic scroll to the foot. 

Provenance: From a private French collection, acquired between the 1940s-60s or earlier.

Notes: The lavish gilt and silver decoration seen on the current vessel is extremely well executed, undoubtedly from the hand of a highly skilled craftsman. The depicted imagery is imbued with a multitude of auspicious symbols, incorporating bats, dragons, wan and shou characters, ruyi heads, musical chimes, and lotus blooms. These motifs represent happiness, longevity and good wishes. The archaistic elements, such as the kui dragons, showcase the taste for archaism which was popular at the time of production under the Qianlong reign.

It is rare to find this combination of gold and silver decoration on a celadon ground. One such example is provided by a Qianlong mark and period twin-handled vase from the Général Omer Blot Collection, sold at Christie's London, 13 May 2008, lot 61. 

CHRISTIE'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street