A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'BUTTERFLY' BOTTLE VASE

SIX CHARACTER GUANGXU MARK AND PROBABLY OF THE PERIOD

Finely painted in coloured enamels with many butterflies in flight above lappets, the design divided by a band enclosing gilt shou characters and scrolling flowerheads against a deep pink ground, with spearhead lappets rising from the shoulder up the tall flaring neck, the rim encircled by a key fret and peach design, 40cm.

Provenance: formerly the collection of squadron leader William McDonald DFC. McDonald joined the RAF in 1940 and after WWII, he spent several years flying in York Transport aircraft taking troops and cargo to and from Singapore and various places en route. He and his wife travelled to many countries, including Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where it is believed he acquired this vase. McDonald and his wife later moved to Beaumont House, Ottery St Mary, Devon, where the current owner purchased this vase, which was filled with newspaper sheets from 1965.