A fine and rare large blue and white five-piece octagonal garniture, Kangxi

Comprising two waisted flaring beaker vases and three baluster jars with domed covers, each piece with each facetted side painted with panels enclosing various flowering and blossoming plants, including prunus, rose, hibiscus, peony and magnolia, with insects and birds in flight above, the necks painted with smaller panels depicting various flowers growing behind rockwork, the domed covers similarly painted and surmounted by lotus bud finial, all edged by borders of chrysanthemums against cloud scroll, gilt wood stands. The vases 52.8cm (20¾in) high; the jars 61.2cm (24in) high. (13). Sold for £54,000

Footnote: As with many Chinese porcelains made for the export market, five-piece garnitures were derived from Chinese domestic prototypes. Chinese alter sets are believed to have been adopted for Western decorative use in correspondance with the size of chimney pieces and cupboards in European homes, see A.du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics, London, 1984, p.253.

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