A carnelian 'three friends of winter' vase. 18th century

Carved as a gnarled hollow trunk section, with a stem of bamboo in low relief on one side, flanked by two undercut branches, one issuing from the top of the trunk and sprouting clusters of pine needles, the other growing from the bottom of the truck and bearing prunus blossoms, the matrix a deep orange colour with variegated striations. 11.5cm (4½in) high. Estimate: HK$60,000 - 70,000, $7,700 - 9,000 - Unsold.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 Dec 2008. Hong Kong. Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved