A simulation lacquer porcelain bowl, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Photo Sotheby's

the curved sides rising from a short foot to a gently flaring rim, the exterior carved with four shoucharacter roundels against a diaper ground above a lappet band, the rim and foot encircled with keyfret bands, covered overall in a vermillion-red glaze, the interior and rim in gilt; 11.5cm., 4 1/2 in. Estimate 6,000 — 8,000 GBP. Unsold

PROVENANCE: Purchased in France, 2nd April 1993.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. London | 15 May 2013 - www.sothebys.com