A fine famille verte bottle vase, Kangxi

Decorated in rich blue, green, yellow, orange, gilt and black/aubergine enamels with four Buddhistic Lions beneath a design of flowerheads (rim frits); the base with three old labels. 42cm (16in) high. Estimate: £20,000 - 25,000

Footnote: For a very similar vase, acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1944, see No. 182 in 'Chinese Ceramics in The Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam' by Christian J.A.Jorg.

Jorg's catalogue entry also examines the significance of the iconography here, drawing attention to the role played by the Buddhistic Lion dance during the Feast of Lanterns, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month at the conclusion of the Chinese New Year. Compare also Fig. 77 in du Boulay's 'Chinese Porcelain: Pleasures and Treasures'. For an example with additional features on the neck, see: 'Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours/The Complete Collection of Treasures of The Palace Museum'/No.75/page 83.

Bonhams. Chinese & other Asian Works of Art, 11 May 2009. Knightsbridge www.bonhams.com