Lot 281. A very rare lime-green ground gourd-shaped famille rose butterfly and flower vase, China, iron-red Qianlong six-character seal mark and period. Estimate 80 000/120 000 €.Lot sold 80.000 €. © 2015 Nagel Auctions.

decorated with butterflies and peony, chrysanthemum, lily and other floral sprays reserved on a lime green ground - Butterflies combined with scattered flowers symbolizes joy, love and good fortune. H. 38,8 cm. Very minor wear, good condition

This same auspicious motif can be seen on a pink graviata ground on a Qianlong vase formerly in the collection of John Morrison, Fontill House, England, illustrated by S. Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. CVI (2)

The flowers on this vase are similar to those on a turquoise-enamelled vase with a gilt Qianlong seal mark from the collection of A.J.B. Kiddell included in the O.C.S. exhibition, The Arts of the Ch'ing Dynasty, London, 1964, no. 213

Nagel. "Asian Art", Diplomate collection, 07/12/2015