Lot 174. A doucai ‘phoenix’ vase, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 33.3cm., 13 1/8 in. Estimate 15,000-20,000 GBP. Lot sold 20,000 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

the pear-shaped body rising from a tall spreading foot to a wide neck gently flaring at the rim, brightly painted to the exterior with a pair of phoenix amongst composite floral blooms borne on meandering leafy scrolls below a spearhead border, the neck encircled with a band of floral sprigs alternating with lozenges between raised fillets, all below a ruyi band and further composite floral scrolls, the foot with a lappet band.