*A ‘DRAGON AND BAT’ CLOISONNE OPIUM TRAY CHINA, LATE QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1900 This heavy bronze opium tray, of round shape, is adorned all over with bright and colorful cloisonne enamels against a black ground. The inner part is centered by an archaistic and front facing five-claw dragon flying amidst clouds in pursuit of the flaming pearl over crashing waves the edge with a meandering floral design and the base of the tray nicely adorned with flying bats arranged in five lines alternatively facing towards the left and the right. D: 33 cm Note: A five-clawed dragon is the symbol of the Emperor whilst a bat (fu - 蝠) can be a visual pun for ‘good fortune’ or ‘happiness’. (fu - 福) because both characters are pronounced ‘fu’. Additionally, a bat descending from the sky (fuzi tianlai - 蝠子天来) sounds exactly like ‘happiness descends from heaven’ (fuzi tianlai - 福子天来). IMPORTANT NOTICE: *This lot is under temporary importation. An extra VAT will be applied to the final invoice. The rate will depend on the final country of destination. The sole buyers based in Ireland will be subject to an extra 13,5% VAT. Please contact our office (yuchen@adams.ie) for further information. 精美“福自天来”纹景泰蓝圆形托盘 中国，晚清，约1900年 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.