QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

It is rare to find a cloisonné enamel box and cover such as the present pair, where both exterior and interior are carefully decorated with equal level of attention, requiring extensive labour and time. There are only a handful of examples of cloisonné enamel circular boxes and covers from the Qianlong period, and it is rare to find a pair of the size of present lot and with the archaistic phoenix as a motif. The combination of phoenix and peony symbolises prosperity, bright future and happiness. With the shou character motif on the interiors for the wish of longevity, it is possible that the present pair of boxes was made to commemorate an imperial birthday.

Compare to a cloisonné enamel basin of similar design in the collection of Palace Museum, Beijing, see collection no. GU00119034 (Fig. 2) on the digital archive.