Lot 38. A rare pale green jade 'treasure bag' vase, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 12.1cm (4 3/4in) high. Estimate HK$ 50,000-80,000. Sold for HK$ 112,500 (€ 13,439). Photo: Bonhams.

Beautifully worked in the form of a cloth sack with a knotted ribbon loosely tied at the neck, the exterior intricately carved in relief with an auspicious scene of two egrets, one in flight and the other perched on rockwork beside tall hibiscus branches and lush lotus blooms, buds and leaves, wood stand.

Provenance: Acquired on 20 August 1968, probably from Louis Joseph, London (no.6845)
An English private collection and thence by descent.

Note: The current lot bears many hidden auspicious connotations. Egret, lusi 鷺鷥, and hibiscus, mufurong 木芙蓉, form the pun, yilu ronghua 一路榮華, which literally translates as 'May you enjoy an affluent life throughout your life'. The pair of egrets, lu 鷺 and blossoming lotus, lian 蓮 also form the pun lulu lianke 路路連科, which literally translates as 'passing the series of civil service examinations, one after another'. The treasure bag further symbolises the offering of best wishes and the bringing of good tidings to the recipient. The lotus, further to its Buddhist associations, represents integrity and purity, both qualities much valued in a scholar-official.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY