A pair of Famille rose 'Chicken' bowls, Qianlong six-character seal marks and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

Both bowls are painted to the exterior with a continuous scene of a cockerel and their hen watching over their brood of chicks amongst blue rocks and bamboo, peony and chrysanthemum sprays. The interiors are decorated with a central medallion enclosing a related scene of cockerel and hen. 5 ? in. (13.6 cm.) diam., fitted box. Estimate £15,000 – £20,000 ($25,215 - $33,620)

Provenance: Christie's South Kensington, 15 July 2005, lot 29.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 13 May 2014, London, King Street - http://www.christies.com/