A fine and rare large blue and white fishbowl, Kangxi. Photo Bonhams.

Painted around the body with various depictions of women engaged in domestic activities, two working a loom, two more tending to a table, while in front of them a further couple converse in a walled courtyard, each scene separated by floral borders, a pattern of decorative lappets around the foot. 51cm (20 1/8in) high. Estimate £30,000 - 50,000 (€36,000 - 61,000)

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection

The present blue and white fishbowl depicts idealistic scenes of domestic activities deemed worthy and suitable for a woman of noble birth: weaving and embroidery, dyeing thread, welcoming guests with tea, and accounting the household finances.

For a related large blue and white Kangxi fishbowl in the Palace Museum collection in Beijing, but with different narrative scenes, see Qing Shunzhi Kangxi chao qinghua ci, Beijing, 2006, pp.394-395, pl.253. For a similar image of a lady preparing thread for embroidery, but on a dish, see ibid, p.122, pl.60.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - www.bonhams.com