A famille verte vase of rouleau form. Qing Dynasty

Decorated in overglaze blue, yellow, orange and black aubergine with a scene from popular literature, possibly 'Yang-jia-jiang yanji' the Ming novel by Yong Damu (some restoration at the rim). 48cm (18½in) high. Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000

Footnote: The mounted horsewomen here may be significant since, perhaps, they identify this subject matter as the story of 'The Command Troops of Yang-Ye's Family'.

This romance, also known from a pair of 17th century bottle vases in the Rijksmuseum, tells the story of a humble girl's wish to marry the sixth son of a Song Dynasty General. The girl's wishes are not granted, of course, and she is forced to kidnap the man she loves. During the story, she leads an army of women whose prowess in battle earn the respect of her adversaries. Compare the Rijksmuseum vases, illustrated No.79 in 'Chinese Ceramics in The Collection of The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam' by Christian J.A. Jorg who refers to the story in some detail.

Bonhams. Chinese & other Asian Works of Art, 11 May 2009. Knightsbridge www.bonhams.com (Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)