Very Rare, Chinese Qing TANG Dynasty Period, silver flori-form rim dragon plate. The silver cast in shallow vessel form, with broad wide central interior, rounded cavetto gently tapering to open wide, a slightly flared lip and flori petals form lip, raised with round shallow draft. The center interior carved with flying phoenix and snarling imperial five claws dragon careening through cumulus clouds above thrashing Li-shui waves in a dark brown color dragon squama rounded the plate, among flowers blooms, scrolling tendril and foliage. The upper mouth rim carved with lotus flowers blooms interspersed foliage and tendril on each petals flori form. Since the dragon and the phoenix usually serve as auspicious symbols, any reported sightings of a dragon or phoenix were considered extremely auspicious, heralding a glorious period of peace and prosperity for the people and the country. This is reflected in the Chinese saying: "When the dragon soars and the phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven." From references to the dragon and phoenixes in local festivals and rites to the heights of literature and fine art, they all reveal the glory of these legendary animals. This inadvertently gave texture, energy, and shading to the design. The Amazing condition with a natural patina giving this piece an unforgettable appearance.Height:1 inWidth: 11.5 inDepth: 11.5 in