Lot 90. A large Chinese cloisonné enamel 'mythical beast' basin, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 50.5 cm,  19 7/8  in. Estimate £15,000 - £25,000. © Sotheby's.

the deep straight sides rising to a broad flattened galleried rim, the interior brightly decorated in multi-coloured enamels against a deep turquoise ground, centred with a red mythical beast portrayed with a fierce expression carrying a large peach on its back, encircled by three finely detailed phoenixes with their wings outstretched, with four sinuous dragons at the rim each pursuing a 'flaming pearl', the exterior with mythical beasts frolicking above turbulent waves all below stylised lotus scrolls.