A coral branch and jade mounted jardinière. Late Qing dynasty. Photo Bonhams

The coral of rose color, in the form of a tree with multiple fine twigs supporting a small green hardstone songbird in its branches, above a malachite boulder set within an octagonal brass footed bowl, the sides mounted with reticulated nephrite and green hard stone plaques displaying a floriform lotus motif.9 1/4in (23.5cm) height of coral 13 1/4in (33.6cm) height overall. Sold for US$12,500

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 20 Dec 2011, California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com