A pair of coral-ground gilt-decorated vases and covers, Shende Tang Zhi hall marks, late Qing Dynasty-Republic Period. Sold for £5,625 (€7,779). Photo Bonhams.

Each enamelled with a bright coral ground and painted in gilt with six stylised lotus flowers alternating in two rows amid buds and foliate scrolls, the upper blossoms beneath clusters of the Three Auspicious Fruit and suspending tasselled musical stones, all between ruyi and lappet borders, the covers each with bud finial and similarly decorated with lotus scrolls. Each 21.8cm (8 1/2in) high (4).

Provenance: an English private collection

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