A Ruyao-type vase will highlight a sale of fine Chinese works of art at Bonhams San Francisco on December 17 with an estimate of $100,000-150,000.
The vase features the mark of the Qianglong period (1736-1795) and is based on the porcelain work of the imperial kiln at Ruyao - which was one of the five famous kilns of the Song dynasty (960-1279).
 The vase dates to the Qianlong period but is inspired by vases from the earlier Song period |
It specialised in the large-scale production of pottery for civilian use, ceasing production in the 1100s following the Jin invasion.
The vase stands on a circular foot with a globular body decorated with banding, and displays the pale blue-grey glaze for which the Ruyao kiln is best known.
Ruyao porcelain from the Song dynasty can reach impressive figures at auction, with a small plate selling for $1.5m at Sotheby's New York in 1992.
A partial suit of ceremonial armour decorated with images of dragons is valued at $60,000-80,000.
 The armour features depictions of five-clawed dragons amid cloud scrolls |
The lot, made from cotton-padded satin and mounted with studs, dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and was most probably created for a nobleman or high-ranking official.
Ceremonial armour was rarely worn after the Qianlong period, but it was still considered an integral part of the imperial wardrobe.
Yellow Gourds and Cricket by Qi Baishi (1863-1957) carries an identical estimate of $60,000-80,000.
Baishi was a highly influential Chinese artist.
His painting titled Eagle Standing on Pine Tree with Four-character Couplet in Seal Script set the auction record for a work of contemporary art in China when it sold for $65.5m in Beijing in 2011.
Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest on antiquities and other collectibles.
