AN UNUSUAL AND LARGE RED LACQUER AND HARDSTONE-INSET MODEL OF AN IMPERIAL BARGE with a broad flat hull inset with a striding blue and grey hardstone dragon chasing a flaming pearl on a ground of clouds on both sides, the bow with a Buddhistic-lion relief, raised on a high tiered and fenced stand carved with waves and foliate designs, the bulwark comprising fitted cabins carved and pierced with bats, clouds, dragons and lattice-work behind a 'gateway' on the foredeck inscribed with auspicious names: Penglai (The Isles of the Immortals), The Golden Sea Turtle (Said to hold up the world), The Barge of the Eight Immortals Jade Rainbow, Dongtian (Fairyland or paradise), and surmounted by a pavilion and a fenced upper deck, all carved with various black and red diaper-pattern grounds, late Qing Dynasty