QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

The size of this basin is exceptionally imposing and cloisonne enamel vessels were rarely made in the form of peaches of this size. However a number of other larger examples with more rounded sides are published, including one from the Robert Chang collection, included in the Suzhou Museum exhibition, Colorful, Elegant, and Exquisite. A Special Exhibition of Imperial Enamel Ware from Mr. Robert Chang's Collection , 2007, Catalogue, no. 122. Compare also a peach-shaped basin, formerly in the Sir John Buchanan-Jardine and Kitson collections and included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, London 1935/36, Catalogue, no. 2019; and another sold at Sotheby's New York, 23 September 1997, lot 111.

The motifs on this basin are auspicious in multiple ways. While bats are symbolic of blessings and peaches symbolise longevity, the decoration of bats on this peach-shaped basin provides the rebus for fushou shuangquan, 'May you possess both blessings and longevity'. The Wan symbol, together with bats, convey the wish for wanfu youtong, 'May you have ten thousand blessings'. The scrolling clouds dotting the basin are homophonous with yun, 'fortune', and together with bats relay the auspicious message of 'May you have good fortune and blessing'.