A pair of Guanyao style pear-shaped vases, 19th century. Photo Bonhams.

Each vase with a crackled grey glaze, with biscuit fired simulated bronze bands at the shoulder, mouth rim and foot, two lion mask loose ring handles at the neck, mounted on European gilt-bronze stands. Each vase: 23.5cm (9 1/4in) high (2). Estimate £2,000 - 3,000 (€2,400 - 3,700)

For a comparable example dated second half of the 18th century see Christiaan J.A Jorg, Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Philip Wilson Ltd. 1997, cat. 269, pp236. The Guan-type wares with simulated bronze bands are usually dated firmly in the 19th century, however the 1814 Dutch provenance of the vase in the Rijksmuseum is evidence of an earlier date.

Bonhams. ASIAN DECORATIVE ARTS. 4 Mar 2014, San Francisco - www.bonhams.com