The basin is heavily potted, with lobed sides rising from a flat base to an everted rim. The interior and rim are decorated with continuous scenes of mythical beasts and natural elements, encircling the Qilin beast elevated on a platform in the sunken central medallion. The exterior is adorned with blooming peony motifs and a scrolling floral border along the underside of the rim. The base bears a six-character Wanli mark on a recessed panel.

The current basin is rare for its large size, hexafoil shape and auspicious subject matter. It depicts a mythical Qilin, a beast with the head and scales of a dragon, mane of a lion, and antlers and hooves of a deer. These beasts usually appear from the heavens during the succession of a ruler. Here the Qilin is shown standing on a high pedestal, while surrounded by other forest creatures, both real and imaginary. The quality of the animals are well-painted and endearing, and this basin is an exceptional example of late Ming Dynasty porcelain design.

Please note the condition report for this lot.