A fine blue and white beaker vase, gu - Kangxi

The central bulb framed by key-fret borders and finely painted with two panels alternating with floral sprays enclosing a leaping carp amidst white crested waves and a recumbent qilin in a mountainous river landscape, between the trumpet-shaped neck with scholars and gift bearers before a ruler and a lady within a pavilion in a fenced garden, the foot decorated with attendants approaching a sleeping scholar leaning against rockwork and a fisherman by his boat pointing towards the horizon, underglaze blue artemisia leaf mark (neck broken and restuck). 45.7cm (18in) high. Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500 - Sold for £1,800 plus Premium and tax

Footnote: The carp leaping out of the water represents the aspiring scholar who, in passing his exams, becomes, metaphorically, a dragon.

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Bonhams. Asian Art including Fine Bronzes, 26 Feb 2008. New Bond Street