A VERY RARE SILVER OCTAGONAL DISHSOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY (1127-1279)The interior of the dish is decorated in repoussé with a scene of two figures at leisure and an attendant playing the qin in a courtyard flanked by pavilions. The courtyard is centered by a lotus pond from which emits vapor supporting a writhing dragon, while a phoenix is shown descending to one side. The flat rim is decorated with leafy peony scroll on a ring-punched ground bordered by beading along the outer edge.7 in. (17.7 cm.) wide