A pair of enamel ewers in the form of ducks, 18th century, China

They each stand on a spherical base that depicts a stream inhabited by fish and a crab - the birds’ legs disappearing into its water. Their plumage is predominantly pink and blue enamel with the addition of purple and turquoise in the colourful wings - whilst the beaks (with a hole at each tip) are painted a vibrant orange-yellow; the feathers of the necks are also multi-coloured. A round opening in the back of each bird has a hinged lid with a design of feathers in blue and turquoise enamel - the underside in bright yellow; this circular opening is edged in gilt metal, and the carrying handles are also gilt.

Height: 14 cm

Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd.