A rare pale green jade 'five bats' moon flask, bianhu, Qianlong. Photo: Bonhams

The elegant flattened moon flask raised on a stepped foot and with a narrow neck flanked by simple scroll handles, the exterior finely carved with five bats in flight amidst delicate cloud scrolls, wood stand, fitted box. 11.5cm (4 1/2in) high (3). Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 €9,800 - 15,000

Provenance: an English private collection formed by the grandfather of the present owner

Notes: The present lot is exceptional for purity and evenness of the pale green stone, which is further enhanced by the smooth body simply embellished with delicate, low relief carving on each side. For a related jade moon flask from the collection of Humphrey K.F.Hui, of the same height but with a poetic inscription by the Qianlong Emperor, see Virtuous Treasures: Chinese Jades for the Scholar's Table, Hong Kong, 2007, no.51.

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