A rare blue and white 'Lotus' jardinière. Seal mark and period of Qianlong. Photo: Sotheby's

of rectangular section supported on four angled feet ofruyi outline, rising to an everted rim with indented corners, deftly painted on each side in bright cobalt tones with a central lotus blossom wreathed by intertwined feathery acanthus scrolls issuing further blossoms, the rim decorated with a 'classic' scroll between double lines above 'S'-shaped key-fret on the outer edge, the interior left white and pierced with two holes for drainage, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal mark, wood stand; 24.2 cm., 9 1/2  in. Estimation 1,500,000 — 2,500,000 HKD 

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 752.

The present jardinière is notable for the ornate design of lotus blooms amongst foliate scrolls. The cobalt blue has been masterfully applied, rendering the curling acanthus leaves with subtle washes to result in a highly naturalistic design. While the lotus is a traditionally Chinese motif, the style in which the decoration has been painted is inspired by Western painting techniques which were introduced to the court by Jesuit missionaries. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Hong Kong | 08 oct. 2013 - http://www.sothebys.com