A fine and large blue and white triple-gourd vase, Kangxi period. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€11,000 - 16,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The largest globular lowest bulb painted in bright cobalt blue with three roundels of chrysanthemum blossoms, alternating with heavy peony flowerheads, encircled by stylised dragons striding amidst the leafy meanders, surmounted by the central bulb similarly painted and all reserved on a blue ground, rising to the smallest bulb depicted with three cartouches of floral sprays beneath the waisted neck and flared rim. 72cm (28 3/8in) high

Provenance: Eugene O. Perkins Collection
Sold at Christie's New York, 2 June 1989, lot 49
Ralph M. Chait Galleries Ltd., New York
Roy Davids Collection, no.56, acquired on 18 October 2011

Notes: This handsome piece is an impressive feat of potting, showing great control of the clay to produce such a tall and complex form. For a related blue and white triple-gourd vase dated to the 18th century in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and incised with the mark N.363, see C.J.A.Jörg, Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: The Ming and Qing Dynasties, London, 1997, p.102, no.93.

Compare with a slightly larger triple-gourd vase, Kangxi period, with gilt mount on the neck and rim, that sold at Sotheby's New York, 16-17 September 2014 , lot 186.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART,  14 May 2015 10:00 BST - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET