Lot 385. A blue and white Ming-style bottle vase, Qianlong underglaze blue six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 14 5/8 in. (37.3 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 10,000 - GBP 15,000. Price realised GBP 67,250. © Christies Image Ltd 2012

Of bulbous form, the exterior of the vase is crisply painted in the fifteenth century style with a band of composite foliate scrolls. The foot has a classic scroll below a petal lappet border, and the shoulder is decorated with a further composite foliate scroll above a band of ruyi. There are upright leaves below a band of waves at the neck, and another ruyi border encircling the flared mouth.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 15 May 2012