Lot 166. A pair of large Chinese blue and white porcelain octagonal beaker vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 46 cm, 18 1/8  in. Estimate £8,000 - £12,000. © Sotheby's.

each of octagonal form, rising from a short spreading foot to a slightly narrowed long cylindrical neck and gently flaring rim, painted around the exterior with panels of blossoming branches issuing from craggy rockwork, with a band of fruiting foliage at the neck, all between a stylised foliate border at the rim and foot.