Lot 51. A famille verte brushpot, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 13.6cm., 5 3/8 in. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 GBP. Lot sold 18,000 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's 2007

brightly enamelled around the cylindrical body with two large blue-bordered mihrab arch panels enclosing antiques, all reserved on a dense floret-diaper ground with two sinuous writhing chilong emerging from behind the panels, the interior glazed white. 

Provenance: Sotheby;s London, 3rd June 1984, lot 30. 
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 18th May 1988. lot 287.

Note: See a Kangxi 'famille verte' brushpot painted with the design of the 'Hundred Treasures' sold in these rooms, 4th December 1979, lot 193. The decorative motif of a 'Hundred Treasures'  includes symbols of the 'Four Scholarly Pursuits' such as the book and scroll as well as objects from the 'Eight Treasures' which include the lingzhi fungus for longevity and the ding symbolizing power.  

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 16 May 2007