A rare 'simulated stone' vase. Daoguang seal mark and of the period

A rare 'simulated stone' vase. Daoguang seal mark and of the period © 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd 

The ovoid body rising to the high shoulders and tall slightly waisted neck with a flared rim, the neck flanked by a pair of lingzhi fungus handles, supported on a slightly splayed foot, the exterior covered with a variegated 'stone' decoration possibly simulating marble, the interior of the neck and the base turquoise glazed, box. 28.3cm (11⅛in) high (2). Sold for £26,400

Provenance: Professor Max Esterer, Germany.

Professor Esterer spent 17 years in China between the First World War and the Second Sino-Japanese War. During his stay in China he is said to have befriended Chiang Kai Shek, who on the former's return to Germany sent him tea to Bavaria for the next ten years.

The simulated decoration on the present vase was inspired by the earlier 18th century creative simulations in porcelain of various materials on porcelain, such as wood, bamboo, bronze, lacquer, marble and puddingstone..

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 11 Nov 2010. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com