Chinese Armorial punch bowl with arms of Bruce and the Earls of Elgin, circa 1795. Photo: Lyon & Turnbull.

decorated in underglaze blue with a wide spear head and diaper border, floral sprays, the foot with further diaper border and floral reserve, the bowl with the crest of the Bruce family flanked by two men, together with the motto 'Fuimus' below which is the monogram 'JB', all in polychrome enamels of iron red, gilt and overglaze green and rose; 25.7cm diam. Estimate £300-500. Sold for £688

Note: The monogram 'J.B.' identifies this bowl as most likely being made for James Bruce, son of the 5th Earl of Elgin, and youngest brother to the 6th and 7th Earls. He was born in 1769 and was M.P. for Marlborough, and tragically died in in 1798 from drowning while crossing the River Don at Barnby Down in Yorkshire. He was descended from the Earls of Kincardine, a title created in 1647, who also, by special remainder, succeeded in 1747 to the Earldom of Elgin, a title created in 1633. The family originates from Robert Bruce, a cousin of King Robert Bruce of Scotland.

Lyon & Turnbull. Fine Asian Works of Art 11 Dec 2013