Lot 327. A pair of blue and white 'Phoenix' bowls, marks and period of Guangxu (1875-1908); 17.4 cm, 6 7/8  in. Estimate 100,000 — 150,000 HKD. Lot sold 162,500 HKD (17,465 EUR). Photo: Sotheby's

each of ogee form, the exterior painted with a pair of phoenix soaring amongst scrolling clouds, their long tails billowing in the wind, similarly decorated to the interior with a central medallion enclosing a swooping and a soaring phoenix amidst clouds, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark.

Provenance: Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), and thence by descent in the family.