A rare aubergine-glazed Meiping. Qianlong Seal Mark and Period. photo Sotheby's.

the broad-shouldered baluster body rising from a recessed base to a short narrow waisted neck, covered overall in a rich deep aubergine glaze; 22cm., 8 5/8 in. Estimate 10,000—15,000 GBP. Lot Sold 34,850 GBP

NOTE Vases covered in this lustrous aubergine glaze are rare; a closely related example was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1^st December 2009, lot 1902; and another from the Vera Goldschlager collection, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30^th April 2001, lot 666. For unmarked vases of this form and glaze, but of larger dimensions, see a pair sold at Christie's New York, 19^th September 2006, lot 358.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 10 Nov 10. London www.sothebys.com