A Cizhou carved pear-shaped vase, yuhuchunping, 12th-13th century. Estimate £3,000 - 5,000 (€4,100 - 6,900). Photo: Bonhams.
Raised on a high foot with slender neck rising to a flaring mouth rim, the bulbous body deeply carved through the creamy-toned white slip with eight alternating lotus flower heads borne on leafy meanders, beneath further rows of flowers to the shoulder and neck separated by geometric bands. 19.7cm (7 3/4in) high
Provenance: according to the family, acquired in the 1930s and thence by descent.
The Property of an English Family
Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 14 May 2015 10:00 BST - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET