Lot 80. A cloisonné enamel 'dragon and phoenix' lobed basin, 17th century; 13 ¾ in. (35 cm.) wide. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 25,000. Price realised GBP 27,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020

The deep vessel is brightly enamelled to the interior with a writhing dragon and phoenix in pursuit of the flaming pearl, all amidst coloruful clouds. The wide, lobed cavetto is enamelled with fruiting branches of finger-citron, pomegranate and peach.

Provenance: Acquired in Germany before 1989.

Literature: Dr. Gunhild Gabbert Avitabile, Die Ware aus dem Teufelsland, Chinesische und japanische Cloisonné – und Champlevé-Arbeiten von 1400 bis 1900, Germany, 1981, cat. no. 44

Christie's. Important Chinese Art, London, 3 November 2020