A magnificent and very rare large famille rose-enameled turquoise-ground 'Bats' vase, Qianlong incised and gilded seal mark and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The large pear-shaped vase is exquisitely decorated on a brilliant turquoise ground with numerous iron-red bats suspending ribbon-tied auspicious emblems as they swoop amidst multi-colored lingzhi-shaped clouds, all outlined in gilding against the rich turquoise ground between a ruyi border at the flared rim and a border of petal lappets above the foot, which is encircled by a band of ruyi heads suspended from iron-red wan emblems. The neck is flanked by a pair of handles formed by ascending chilong with scrolling bifurcated tails finely shaded in iron red and detailed in gilding. 26 7/8 in. (68.3 cm.) high. Estimate $800,000 – $1,000,000

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. 20 - 21 March 2014, New York, Rockefeller Plaza - www.christies.com