An iron-red-decorated 'Five bats and peaches' bowl, Daoguang seal mark and of the period (1821-1850). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014.

The bowl has deep rounded sides, raised on a short foot. The exterior is decorated in iron-red with five bats interspersed with peaches, below a band of stylised jewels. 4 ? in. (12.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £6,000 – £8,000 ($10,086 - $13,448)

Provenance: Christie's Paris, 7 June 2011, lot 211.

Notes: The imagery of five bats symbolises the Five Blessings, including longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. Five bats is associated with the saying wu fu lin men, which may be translated as 'may the Five Blessings arrive at your door'. The combination of peaches and bats conveys the blessing fu shou shuang quan, meaning 'may you have both happiness and longevity'.

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