Lot 1823. A pair of famille rose 'lotus' cups, Guangxu black-enameled marks and of the period (1875-1908); 8 in. (20.2 cm.) long. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 13,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.  

Each modeled in the shape of a large lotus blossom with incised overlapping petals outlined in black enamel and filled with shades of pink, the outer row of petals rising to form the gently flared wall of the vessel, the yellow-dotted stamen pierced with a small circular aperture leading up into the hollow lime-green stem that forms the handle, inscribed Daqing Guangxu Jiaotaihu fujin qiucao jinian bei (Cup commemorating the autumn military excercises held near Jiaotaihu during the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing). 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011