Lot 859. A Cizhou ‘floral’ meiping, 11th-12th century; 7 1/2in (19cm) high. Estimate $2,500 - 3,500. © Bonhams.

Of slender ovoid form, with rounded shoulders tapering towards the foot, surmounted by a gently waisted neck with a wide flat lip, the ceram-colored slip stopping above the base and freely painted in iron-brown with leafy floral sprays beneath a transparent glaze.