A blue and white double-gourd vase, Chongzhen. Photo Bonhams.

The lower section finely painted with a dignified scholar cradling a staff of office in his robed arms, the figure standing on grass besides a crane, the rocky landscape also with two boys, one carrying books and the other a lantern, the scene separated by cloud scrolls, the waist with a band of foliate lotus scroll beneath sprays of prunus, lotus, orchid and peony. 36.2cm (14 1/4in) high. Estimate 4,000 - 6,000 (€4,900 - 7,300)

Provenance: an English private collection

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - www.bonhams.com