The Wheel with eight spokes enameled with the eight auspicious emblems and alternating semi-precious stone centered by a lion circular medallion, the border enameled with interlinking scrollwork interrupted by eight nodes inlay with gems along the outer edges, raised on a lotus base, the bottom enameled with Daoguang Nian Zhi (made in the year of Daoguang) within a circular roundel and further formalized lotus scrolls. The eight Buddhist emblems include the Buddhist wheel, conch, umbrella, canopy, lotus bloom, fish and entrails. It is generally believed to have originated from the introduction of Buddhism in China. Historically, the Lun or wheel is reminiscent of the wheel of the law, a symbol of the Buddhist doctrine leading to perfection. It is commonly depicted as a whirling sphere. The present lot of a fine cloisonne enamel Buddhist wheel thus symbolizes perfection and endless rotation.
H: 31 cm