A magnificent Chinese porcelain famille rose 'cockerel and peony' basin or platter. 清雍正 粉彩雄雞牡丹圖大缸式盆 《功名富貴》主題 Symbolizing "Gongming Fugui" (功名富貴), a Promise of Success & Wealth. A Yongzheng Masterpiece of Imperial Taste: The Auspicious "Cockerel and Peony" Basin 清雍正 粉彩雄雞牡丹圖大盆 We present an exceptional and powerfully symbolic large basin from the esteemed Yongzheng period. This piece is a masterpiece of the porcelain painter's craft and a potent emblem of the highest aspirations. The Auspicious Theme: "Gongming Fugui" & Marital Harmony (功名富貴與和美) The vibrant scene is a classic and deeply symbolic composition in Chinese art. It features a magnificent pair of cockerels, one resplendent in red and the other in vibrant yellow, amidst luxuriant peonies. The Pair of Cockerels (雙雄雞 Shuāng Xióngjī): A pair represents harmony, partnership, and the coming together of complementary forces. In this context, they often symbolize a harmonious and successful marital union. The red cockerel is particularly auspicious, as red is the color of joy and celebration, while the yellow/golden one emphasizes nobility and wealth. The Symbolic Rebus: The cockerel's crest (冠 guān) is a homophone for "official rank" (官 guān), symbolizing honor and scholarly success. The peonies (牡丹 Mǔdān) represent wealth, prosperity, and honor. Together, the pair of cockerels with peonies powerfully expresses the wish for "Gongming Fugui" (功名富貴), the attainment of high rank and abundant wealth, for a united and harmonious family. Exemplary Craftsmanship & Expert Conservation This basin embodies the refined elegance and exacting imperial standards characteristic of the Yongzheng era. Painting & Palette: The enamels are exceptionally bright and delicate. The artist has masterfully used a distinct and vibrant iron-red and a rich yellow to differentiate the two cockerels, giving each its own character and vitality against the soft rose pink and turquoise grounds. This deliberate color choice highlights the theme of a complementary pair. Luxurious Rim Decoration: The wide, flaring rim features the exquisite reserved white technique (pâte-sur-pâte) against a turquoise and gilt ground, a hallmark of the finest Yongzheng porcelains. Condition, Provenance & Market Value A Testament to its Value: Expert Restoration. The basin's long history is attested to by a professional restoration to an impact at the 6 o'clock position. This work was carried out to an exceptionally high standard, making it difficult to detect under normal light, even traversing the complex pâte-sur-pâte border. This discreet conservation stabilizes the piece and allows its full beauty and symbolic power to be appreciated for generations to come. Great condition, stable, and presentation-ready. There are no losses, and the vibrancy of the enamels is perfectly preserved. The quality of the restoration ensures the piece displays superbly. Provenance: From a distinguished Private European Collection. Market Context: The significance of wares of this imperial quality is reflected in the auction market. A dish with a closely related composition achieved a price of €2,612 (equivalent to approximately €3,900 today) at the biggest auction company in the world, London (9 November 2010). Shipping: The item will be professionally packed with the utmost care, using materials designed for fragile and high-value antiques. Shipping includes full international tracking and insurance for complete peace of mind. This basin offers a rare opportunity to acquire a culturally significant work of art, presented in a state of exquisite preservation thanks to expert care. It remains a powerful and beautiful symbol of success, wealth, and harmonious partnership.