Of rectangular section, finely incised around the flaring neck and base with plantain leaves, the mid-section moulded and incised with an archaistic motif, applied on three sides with vertical flanges and on one side with an openwork pink-enamelled handle comprising chilong dragons crawling towards and over the rim.

Note: Compare the example illustrated in S. W. Bushell, Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p.213, fig.278, which has very similar shape and design to the present lot, but with the chilong dragons enamelled in different colours and probably with gold outlines and speckles. The author has dated it to the Qianlong period.

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics & Chinese Export Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 12 November 2002