Lot 118. A blue-glazed altar vessel and cover, dou, Xianfeng seal mark and period; 24.3cm., 9 5/8 in. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 GBP. Lot sold 39,650 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

the rounded bowl supported on a flaring hollow foot, moulded around the sides with two rows of rectangles at the rim, the domed cover with over-lapping wave borders, surmounted by a loop knop, the foot with two stylised shou character roundels divided by C-shaped scrolls below a wide raised rib, covered overall with a rich blue glaze, impressed to the interior of the cover and foot with a raised six-character Xianfeng seal mark. Quantity: 2.