A Meissen scent flask, circa 1723-24. Photo Bonhams

Of flattened ovoid form moulded with a female mask on each side, the neck and lowe body moulded with fluted bands heightened in gilding and iron-red, painted on each side with a chinoiserie scene depicting two large figures, mounted with a gilt-metal stopper attached by a chain, 9.3cm high overall. Sold for £16,250

Literature: Ulrich Pietsch, Passion for Meissen (2010), no. 23

A similar scent flask in a private collection is illustrated in Exotische Welten (2010), nos. 48c and 67a.

Bonhams. 5 Dec 2012 13:30 GMT London, New Bond Street. The Marouf Collection, Part I: highly important 18th century Meissen porcelain