Lot 432. A cloisonné enamel 'dragon and phoenix' tripod charger, Ming dynasty, late 16th century; 44.5cm., 17 1/2 in. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot sold 32,450 GBP. © Sotheby's.

the shallow sides rising from three gilt-bronze ruyi feet to a broad everted rim, brightly decorated to the central medallion with a dragon and phoenix in flight amongst clouds contesting a flaming pearl, all surrounded by meandering lotus and floral scrolls repeated on the exterior and the base.

Note: A closely related charger from the Robert H. Clague collection was included in the exhibition Chinese Cloisonné. The Clague Collection, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1980, cat.no. 19; and another was included in the exhibition, Chinesisches Cloisonné. Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry,  Museum Reitberg, Zurich, 1985, cat.no. 121.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 7 November 2012