Pair of vases, China, 1665. Porcelain painted in underglaze blue. RCIN 1191. Royal Collection © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A pair of 'gu' form vases with trumpet mouth, gently spreading foot and unglazed base, the mouth rim dressed with brown glaze. Painted in violet blue are a raised central band with rocks and flower sprays, with a pendant frieze of large pointed leaves, and above, a band with banana trees and rocks among which appear a large qilin and another goat-like mythical creature among flames, with mountain peaks in the distance.