An 18th century Meissen tea service comprising a tea pot, coffee pot and a number of bowls, cups and saucers auctioned at Bonhams London yesterday (March 20) for £121,250 ($183,445).

The impressive sale price represents a 51.6% increase on the circa 1726 set's £80,000 top estimate.

The circa 1726 tea set is painted with unusual chinoiserie harbour scenes

A rare and attractive Meissen vase bearing the desirable Augustus Rex mark also put in a strong performance, selling for £97,250 ($147,182), securely within its £80,000-120,000 estimate. The circa 1730 vase is one of only a handful known to exist.

Items were offered from the Delphinium collection - an eminent British private collection of 18th century porcelain.

The successful sale is testament to the popularity of both the Meissen brand, and collectible porcelain more generally, sales of which have remained buoyant throughout 2013.

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