The body is of flattened circular form and rests on an oval gilt metal foot – the body surmounted by a tubular neck with a rounded gilt metal collar at the mouth. Cloisonné handles of lingzhi form are attached, on an angle at the shoulders and the neck, on each side. Both faces are decorated with the same circular design of three peony flowers amongst stems and leaves against a lapis blue ground – within a scalloped border, and framed by a ring of lingzhi heads. The sides depict lotus flowers and scrolls in lapis blue against a turquoise ground, and the neck is similarly decorated in multi-coloured enamels – framed top and bottom by lingzhi borders. The peony ranks as the queen of flowers; a symbol of wealth, honour and nobility, it represents the third month of the year and thus spring, in the flowers of the four seasons; the longevity fungus, or lingzhi, is symbolic of immortality.

Though unmarked, the quality of this very fine piece can be seen in the wirework composition and the subtlety of the enamels - for example in the graduation of colours in the peony flowers and their leaves - and in its commanding size, elegant form, weighty construction and wonderful gilding.

similar examples
'Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection', The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989 - plate 234.

'Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties', The National Palace Museum, Taipei 1999 - figures 65 and 66.