Of circular shape carved in low relief with lotus, ducks, fish, and "water-horse", the fish and water-horse issuing scroll clouds with pavilions and a fish in sphere respectively, band of lotus petals to shoulder and sides of cover; the finial in the form of three openwork beast heads, one with a suspended ring, topped by a standing Chinese lion, all raised on three cabriole legs, the stone of a smoky grey color with whiter inclusions.(H(with cover): 9 1/4 in., Dia: 5 1/2 in.)PROVENANCE:Miss Mary A. Boyle, sold Parke Bernet, New York, November 18, 1971, lot 45Acquired by the parents of the present owner from the aboveThence by descent.