Lot 14. A fine lapis lazuli waterpot, Jiaqing-Daoguang period (1796-1850). Estimate HK$60,000 - 80,000 (€6,900 - 9,200). Photo: Bonhams. 

Finely carved as the Tang poet Li Bai in a recumbent position languidly resting against an empty wine jar, wearing a loose robe revealing the chest, the stone of a sapphire-blue tone with silvery-white inclusions. 10.2cm (4in) wide

Notes: According to the manuscript note affixed to the underside, this object was on the table next to Governor Ye Mingchen (1807-1859) when he was taken prisoner by the British after the second Opium War (1856-1860), also known as the 'Arrow War'. It was acquired circa 1858 by Admiral Arthur William Acland Hood, 1st Baron Hood of Avalon (1824-1901) and thence by family descent.

The present waterpot is inspired by the wine pot of the legendary Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762), who was notorious for his drinking and was often depicted leaning against a wine jar. The subject matter of Li Bai was popular during the Qing dynasty and was created in various materials including porcelain, jade, rhinoceros horn and soapstone. Compare an example of a Qing dynasty jasper water container depicting Li Bai, illustrated inCompendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2001, pl.78. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY