Lot 228. A polychrome meiping, Qing dynasty, Shunzhi period (1644-1661); 31.7cm., 12 1/2 in. Estimate 2,000 — 3,000 GBP. Lot sold 2,500 GBP. © Sotheby's

the tapering body with rounded shoulder rising from a spreading foot to a short narrow waisted neck, enamelled around the exterior with a long-tailed bird perched on rockwork amidst magnolia and peony sprays reserved on an iron-red ring ground, all between chevron and lotus lappet bands at the foot and keyfret, wave and classic scroll at the shoulder.