A Qingbai carved conical bowl. Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century.  Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012 

The deep bowl is carved to the interior with two boys amongst lotus flowers. The glaze is of a very light bluish-green tone. 7¾ in. (19.8 cm.) diam. Lot 398. Estimate £8,000 - £12,000 ($12,744 - $19,116)

Provenance: With Spink & Son Ltd., London. 
Acquired from a private European collection in the 1970s. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art 15 May 2012 London, King Street www.christies.com