Lot 108. A famille-rose ruby-ground 'Lotus' cup, Daoguang seal mark and period (1821-1850); 8cm, 3 1/8 in. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 GBP. Lot sold 12,500 GBP. © Sotheby's

the deep U-shaped body rising from a short straight foot, brightly enamelled and gilt around the exterior with lotus strapwork divided by shou characters, all within lotus and ruyi bands and reserved on a rich ruby-red ground, the interior glazed turquoise, the base inscribed with the iron-red seal mark.