Lot 222. A large celadon-ground 'Prunus' vase, Qianlong mark and period (1736-1795); 50cm., 19 3/4 in. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 GBP. Lot Sold 12,500 GBP. © Sotheby's

the sturdily-potted ovoid body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall waisted neck set with a pair of pierced leaf-shaped handles, painted in rich deep cobalt-blue tones to the front face with an old gnarled prunus tree, the blossom slip decorated in white with iron-red detailing, the reverse with underglaze blue bamboo shoots, all reserved on a soft celadon ground.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 12 May 2010.