A LARGE CLOISONNE ENAMEL ‘PHOENIX’ CHARGER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

well cast of generous proportions with shallow rounded sides resting on a short foot with a lipped footring, the interior densely decorated with a pair of phoenix soaring elegantly amidst varying floral sprays, each mythical bird portrayed with long billowing tail feathers rendered in multi-coloured enamels, the exterior vibrantly adorned with a frieze enclosing twelve lotus blooms borne on an undulating leafy stem, encircling seven further lotus blooms on the base, each vibrantly enamelled with petals of varying colours, the foot skirted with a floret band, all against a bright turquoise ground  

Good overall condition, with just small areas of retouching where the enamels had flaked.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The quality and precision of the current dish encapsulates the refinement of Kangxi cloisonné enamel. The design of the phoenixes on this unusually large dish is a particularly characteristic design. For a Kangxi cloisonné enamel dish of rectangular form decorated with similar design of phoenix, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 182. For an earlier prototype, see also a 16th century cloisonné enamel dish decorated with a pair of highly stylised phoenix included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition, London, 1957, cat. no. 311, and sold in our London rooms, 10th November 2010, lot 245.