Provenance: Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1411.

Note: The exceptionally well-painted 'dragon and phoenix' motif displayed on the current dish represents the utmost wish for happiness and good fortune and is usually associated with imperial marriage; the dragon being a symbol of the Emperor and the phoenix of the Empress. The surrounding ruyi-form clouds symbolize the granting of all wishes and the bats to the border represent a blessing for further wealth and prosperity. 

The phoenix depicted on the current dish, with its wings spread elegantly, its tail feathers flared upwards and its legs outstretched can be compared to several fine moonflasks decorated with a pair of confronting phoenix, dating to the Qianlong period (1736-1795), including a rare underglaze blue and iron red-decorated 'phoenix' moonflask from the Sui Yuan Zhai Collection, sold at Christie's London, 11 May 2015; and a magnificent pink-enamelled blue and white moonflask, Qianlong mark and period, from the Shorenstein Collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2968.

From the Sui Yuan Zhai Collection,  A very rare underglaze-blue and iron-red-decorated 'Phoenix' moon flask, baoyueping, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 8 5/8 in. (21.8 cm.) high. Sold for 146,500 GBP at Christie's London, 11 May 2015, lot 15. © Christie’s Images Limited 2015.

Cf. my post: Chinese & Japanese auctions & exhibition of touring highlights at Christie's London in May

From the Shorenstein Collection, A magnificent large pink-enamelled blue and white moonflask, Qianlong six-character sealmark and of the period (1736-1795); 19 1/4 in. (48.9cm.) high. Sold for 16,015,135 USD at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2968. © Christie’s Images Limited 2010.

Cf. my post: A magnificent large pink-enamelled blue and white moonflask, Qianlong six-character sealmark and of the period (1736-1795)