China, Daoguang periodThe decoration consisting of a circular medallion with a lobed profile in the center with a five-claws dragon, surrounded by an arabesque of lotus flowers and dragons in the corners, the composition framed by a frieze with a Greek meander in turn enclosed within a band with lotus flowers and twice an endless knot, at the top the inscription 景仁宮 備用 (Jingren gong beiyong, “for the reserved use of the Palace of Great Benevolence”).250 x 127 cmProvenance: Italian private collection.The Palace of Great Benevolence to which the inscription refers is an important pavilion within the Forbidden City of Beijing. Built in 1420, it was since then mainly intended for imperial concubines. In 1654 the future emperor Kangxi was born there.