A LARGE SAMSON PORCELAIN FISH TANK, France, 19th century

h cm 39 x d cm 58

The central body, surmounted by a border decorated with panels featuring flowers and Taoist objects, is richly adorned with flying phoenixes among lotus flowers, peonies, and foliate tendrils. On the sides are two large mascarons; the rim is further decorated with panels containing flowers, interspersed with geometric motifs. The interior depicts koi carp swimming over a background with water lilies. The base (h 59 cm × d 62 cm), in gilded wood, is finely carved with volutes and shells and rests on three feline legs terminating in lion heads.