QIANLONG (1736-1795)

The distinctive form of this enamel centerpiece is derived from European metalwork, inspired by examples such as a French plated-brass centrepiece of circa 1715, sold Christie's Geneva, 13 November 1995, lot 187 and a Louis XV plated centrepiece of 1747-49, sold Christie's Geneva, 17 November 1980, lot 242. A closely related example of this unique form of European silver reproduced in Canton enamel is a centerpiece bearing the arms of José Maria da Foncesca e Evora, formerly in the possession of Lady Henderson and sold Sotheby’s London, 27 February 1973, lot 13, and now in the Fundacao Medeiros e Almeida, Lisbon.