A rare large Ming-style blue and white bottle vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014.

The powerfully potted vase is painted around the exterior in the 15th century style, with large blooms borne on meandering leafy scrolls. The shoulder is decorated with a band of pendant ruyi heads and the tall neck is painted with upright plantain leaves. The mouth rim is decorated with a band of crashing waves. 15 in. (38 cm.) high. Estimate £40,000 – £60,000 ($67,160 - $100,740)

Provenance: Acquired in Macau in the 1930s by a prominent Portuguese doctor, who was an avid collector of Chinese porcelain and works of art, and thence by descent to the current owner.
THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN GENTLEMAN

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 13 May 2014, London, King Street - http://www.christies.com/