A fabulous and rare 18th century Canton enamel bowl, with fitted box painted to the exterior in a lemon-yellow enamel and decorated with two ducks and two mythical birds on water amongst waterlilies and other flowers, the interior in a lavender enamel with a blue enamel emblem or flowering scroll to the centre, to the base a four-character mark, and various collection labels. The interior of the bowl worn through use and with some stress lines, the exterior with some enamel losses, but all consistent with age. Height 11 cm. Width 21 cm