A pair of blue and white 'mythical beasts' bowls, Daoguang seal marks and of the period

Each decorated on the exterior with nine mythical beasts finely painted in pale and dark blue tones, including dragons, horses, elephantine beast and tortoises, all amidst fire scrolls and white crested swirling waves, the interior with a medallion enclosing an elephantine beast amidst fire scrolls and crashing waves, box. 19cm (7½in) diam. (3). Sold for £8,400

Provenance: Bluett and Sons, London, labels
The Robert Murray Bell and Ann Walker Bell Collection, by repute. Most of the Bell collection has been given to the Gardiner Museum, Toronto.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com