A Samson famille verte  style pewter-mounted ewer, cover and basin, 20th century. photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2012

Of reeded form, the hinged cover with shell-shaped thumbpiece, painted in the Chinese style with birds perched amongst waterplants, flowering peony and grasses, within iron-red borders with white scrolls and gilt flowerheads. The basin 12 in. (30 cm.) wide (2). Estimate £1,500 - £2,000

Christies. Living With Art - A Private European Collection, Day Sale. 10 February 2012, London, King Street www.christies.com