A rare famille rose yellow-ground Tibetan-form ewer, penba hu. Jiaqing seal mark and of the period

The globular body rising from a spreading pedestal foot, rising to a stepped neck surmounted by a thick disc-shaped mouth rounding inwards to a narrow opening, the shoulder applied with a curved spout issuing from the gaping jaws of the moulded makara head, the body exquisitely painted in enamels of the famille rose palette with the bajixiang (Eight Buddhist emblems) interspersed by lotus flowers and scrolling and intertwining tendrils, all on a yellow ground, the interior of the mouth and the base turquoise enamelled, stopping to reveal the iron-red seal mark (restored). 19.4cm (7¾in) high. Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 6 Nov 2008. New Bond Street - www.bonhams.com