Lot 48. A polychrome enamelled figural group of Zhong Kui and demons, Qianlong Period (1736-1795); 29cm (11 1/2in) high. Estimate £ 3,000-5,000. Sold for £ 17,500 (€ 19,985). Courtesy Bonhams.

The Demon Queller modelled standing dressed in a scholar's cap and wearing his distinctive iron-red robe, the fierce expression on his face highlighted by bulging eyes, open mouth and bushy beard, his body leaning slightly forward before a rocky boulder, his right hand raised above his head, balancing on one leg whilst attempting to step on a demon, the other demons humorously attempting to stop him, with a boy lying on the ground fearfully looking up, all on a flat grassy base. 

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection.

Note: For related figural groups of the demon-slayer with demons see M.Cohen and W.Motley, Mandarin and Menagerie: James E. Sowell Collection Vol.I: Chinese and Japanese Export Ceramic Figures, Surrey, 2008, pp.82-83, pls.3.3-3.4, which the authors date to circa 1750.