A rare imperial gilt bronze cloisonné decorative plaque in the shape of the head of a ruyi China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795) Inside the fine frame, in embossed metal with symbols of good fortune, such as swastikas, pairs of fish and clouds, is a finely made plaque decorated with the cloisonné technique, in which are pictured vases holding peonies, cherry tree branches, fruit, and a ruyi sticking out from an archaic style inspired vase, characterized by taotie. Long inscription and brand in the upper right section, concerning the Spring Festival, from the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library in Four Sections), part of the Qing dynasty chronicles. The inscription ends with the name Yu Minzhong (1714-1779), officer of Jintan, in the province of Jiangsu. He was an advisor for emperor Qianlong in important political matters, and from 1773 to his death he was one of the most powerful ministers of the empire. While at court he supervised the writing of the abovementioned Siku Quanshu, and his portrait appears in a painting depicting seventeen of the fifty meritorious generals and officers, commissioned by emperor Qianlong and sold by Sotheby’s New York on June 1, 1992, lot 77. A similar plaque was sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, Imperial Interiors, October 7, 2015, lot 3007. Cm 60,00 x 42,00 Start price : 1900