Lot 1270. A famille rose and gilt turquoise-ground bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark in iron red and of the period (1736-1795); 6 5/8 in. (16.9 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 112,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017 

The exterior is decorated in imitation of cloisonné enamel with four large lotus blossoms alternating with four smaller lotus flowers each above three peaches, all borne on foliate scrolls against a turquoise enamel ground.

Note: Ceramicists from the official workshops were encouraged to experiment, and the technique of porcelain imitating other materials found favor with the emperor Qianlong, who was fascinated with the curious and archaic. The designs outlined in gilt against turquoise on the present bowl produce the effect of porcelain imitating cloisonné enamel. In cloisonné enamel, raised lines are applied to create 'cloisons' on the body of a metal vessel which are then filled in with colored glass paste and fired. On the present bowl, the gilt outlines enclose enameled colors in simulation of the cloisonné effect.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 - 15 September 2017, New York