Large Chinese Qing dynasty cylindrical form lidded porcelain food container decorated on the front and slightly domed cover in famille rose enamel leafy flowers and on the back with three rows of black calligraphy holding a poem which translates loosely as: "Hundreds of grasses and thousands of plants wait for spring. The most amazing is the color of the green poplar. The rain and dew on the horizon are strong every year. The garden is green and fragrant year after year." Each side has twisted metal handles supported by two porcelain lugs. White glazed background and interior. The base is unglazed. Very heavily potted (weighs 7 lbs). Nearly 11” diameter x 6” high (to top of knob handle). 19th century. Very good overall condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. From the estate of Gerhard Lohmeier, a Diplomat at the German Embassy in Beijing from 1985 to 1989.