A Chinese Transitional blue and white vase. Chongzhen (1628-1643)

Painted with a continuous scene of fern-grown rocks and mountains among swirling clouds, with four characters from the well-known semi-historical novel 'The Water Margin', firing flaw to the rim. 45.1 cm. high. Est. €8,000 - €10,000

Provenance: Formerly in the collection of the Royal house of Hannover from the Schloss Marienburg.

Notes: The characters depicted are from the Ming dynasty novel Shuihu Zhuan, 'Water Margin'. It is the story of the bandit Song Jiang, a historical figure at the end of the Song Dynasty, and his fictitious 108 companions, who in the novel have all turned to banditry because of oppression by corrupt officials.

A Chinese blue and white peach-shaped wine-pot. Chongzhen (1628-1644)

Modelled with a branch-shaped handle and spout beneath a flower-like aperture, on a slightly splayed foot, both sides decorated with a branch of fruiting peaches with flowers and leaves, baking flaw. 17.3 cm. high. Est. €7,000 - €9,000

Christie's. The Decorative Arts Sale Includingg The J.V.N. Van Achterbergh Collection And Fine Paintings. 30 June - 1 July 2009. Amsterdam www.christies.com