Lot 90. A large Chinese cloisonné enamel 'mythical beast' basin, Ming dynasty; 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.

Sotheby's. Royal & Noble, London, 17 january 2019