A RARE PAINTED ENAMEL 'ROMANCE OF THE WESTERN CHAMBER' SAUCER-DISH 18th century Finely painted with a court scene scene depicting Yingying and her mother attending a Buddhist service at a temple beside the scholar Zhang Sheng, the exterior with a border of fruit and flowers on a white ground. 15.8cm (6 1/4in) diam. Footnotes: Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 十八世紀 銅胎畫琺瑯「西廂記」故事圖盤 The present dish depicts scenes from the popular 13th century drama Xixiang Ji (西廂記), or 'The Romance of the Western Chamber'. The play narrates a secret love affair between the young scholar Zhang Sheng, and Cui Yingying, daughter of a chief minister. Although scholar Zhang and Cui Yingying fell in love with each other at a Buddhist monastery, Cui Yingying's mother disapproved of the match because of Zhang's low status. Yingying's maid Hongniang, however, took pity on them and arranged to bring them together in a secret union. When Yingying's mother discovered what had happened, she reluctantly agreed to a formal marriage on the condition that Zhang must pass the Civil Service examination. To the joy of the young lovers, Zhang Sheng passes, is appointed to high office, and the two are finally married. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com