A very impressive Chinese export porcelain wine cooler, decorated in famille rose enamels with elegant flowering branches, the bulbous form raised upon a flared base and surmounted by a flared monteith style rim, the rim decorated as well on the interior. Heavily potted to support ice and wine for a lavish entertainment, this magnificent piece, modeled after European silver forms, would have been a status symbol in its day, gracing a nobleman’s sideboard, a sign of his gracious and liberal entertaining. Measuring 13″ x 19″ x 16″. With a crack sealed and a chip to one of the monteith lappets restored, otherwise, very good condition. Third quarter of the 18th century.