223 - Large circular dish in cloisonné enamel on copper, China, Qianlong period (1736–1795)

Large circular dish in cloisonné enamel on copper, China, Qianlong period (1736–1795) Circular in shape and slightly concave, with a wide rim, entirely decorated with cloisonné enamel on a turquoise background; the central basin is covered with a dense network of wan (卍) geometric motifs. Punctuated with polychrome flowers and foliage, notably lotuses, peonies, chrysanthemums, and branches of flowering plum trees. The outlines are highlighted with gilded copper wire. The reverse, also entirely enamelled, features beneath the rim a rich floral design on a turquoise background, with a dense scattering of wan motifs forming a continuous pattern. The dish has a wide rim and rests on a circular foot, the side of which is adorned with a cloisonné enamel frieze featuring the so-called qibao wen (seven treasures) motif, forming a succession of four-lobed motifs in purplish-blue enamels on a turquoise background. The entire piece is accented with gilded copper mounts. Diameter: 63.7 cm Large circular cloisonné enamel pieces of this size are particularly rare from the Qianlong period; known large-scale examples are more commonly decorative plaques or basins, notably several circular basins measuring 62 to 65 cm attributed to the imperial workshops of the second half of the 18th century.