A large lime-green ground famille-rose 'Three Rams' vase, Daoguang six-character seal mark in iron red and of the period (1821-1850). Estimate HK$600,000 - HK$800,000 ($77,782 - $103,709). Price Realized HK$500,000 ($64,818). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is heavily potted with a baluster body rising from a splayed foot to a long neck flaring widely to the rim, flanked on either side of the shoulders with an archaistic phoenix handle enamelled in red. The body is delicately enamelled with a continuous scene to depict three rams resting and gambolling in a garden setting, amongst pine trees, budding flowers and rockwork, all set between a border of ruyi-heads against a lime-green ground detailed with composite floral sprays. The neck is decorated on each side with an elaborate flower head surrounded by scrolling leafy tendrils, all reserved against a lime-green ground. 27 1/2 in. (69 cm.) high, wood stand

Provenance: A Japanese private collection, acquired in the first half of the 20th century 

Christie's. IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 2 December 2015, Convention Hall