A fine blue and white 'three friends of winter' saucer dish, Jiaqing seal mark and of the period. Photo courtesy Bonhams.

Centrally decorated with auspicious pine, prunus and bamboo, the exterior depicting a continuous scene of a lady seated within a lavish dwelling looking at two boys playing in the garden, the base with a six-character Imperial zhuanshu seal mark. 18cm diam. Estimate HK$ 300,000 - 500,000 (€29,000 - 48,000)

The 'three friends of winter' which translate as suihan sanyou, represent pine trees, bamboo and prunus blossoms. They are regarded as 'three friends' because they flourish and do not wither; they would always 'accompany each other' during the cold winter season unlike other plants. Together they symbolise steadfastness, perseverance and resilience, which is highly regarded in Confucian teachings as the scholar-gentleman's ideal. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST