Lot 24. A soft-paste crackle-glazed teapot and cover, Intaglio-moulded Qianlong seal mark  (1736-1795); 9.9cm (4in) wide (2). Estimate £3,000 - 5,000 (€3,600 - 6,000). Sold for £ 2,500 (€ 2,806). Photo Bonhams.

Of elegant rectangular form with a slightly recessed base and a sharp-angled spout opposite a C-shaped handle, one side carved with a leafy orchid spray and inscribed on the other, each side signed Beiyan Shi (northern rock), the cover surmounted by a three-clawed dragon.

Note: The inscription reads

半甌清茗味回時
北岩氏刻

which may be translated as 'with half a pot of tea, it is time to reminisce, carved by Beiyan shi'.

Beiyan, literally meaning 'northern rock', lived during the Qianlong period and was renowned for his regular script calligraphy.

Compare a very similar crackled and cream-glazed teapot with the same signature Beiyan, Qianlong mark and period, in the collection of the British Museum (museum ref. no. 1945,1016.26).

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014