Lot 45. A famille noire biscuit 'Chilong' stand, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 22.3cm (8 3/4in) wide. Estimate £ 3,000-5,000. Sold for £ 5,000 (€ 5,710). Photo Bonhams.

The eight-lobed stand supported on four raised mythical beast feet, delicately enamelled on a rich black ground on top with two pairs of writhing chilong with bifurcated tails, clutching a lingzhi sprig in all four claws, surrounded by flower heads, with a central medallion enclosing a further flower head suspending a musical stone and lotus blossom, within a floral border. 

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, London, 12 November 2015