Lot 311. A large famille-verte monteith, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 56cm., 22in. Estimate 60,000 — 80,000 GBP. Lot sold 122,500 GBP. Photo Sotheby’s

of oval form supported on four claw and ball feet, the crenallated rim above a pair of lion mask and ring handles, enamelled on each side with a knarled tree growing from rocks and bearing fruit and flowers, the rim bordered with various flowering plants and edged in cell pattern with carp swimming around the interior rim above large fish shown amidst waterweeds and other aquatic creatures.