NANTWICH-based fine art and antiques auctioneers Peter Wilson will sell a masterpiece of Chinese porcelain that is expected to fetch up to £200,000.

From a local home, the fine and large Doucai “Lotus and Bats” vase dating from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) is estimated to sell for £150,000-200,000 at the sale being held on November 27.

Its owner is a direct descendant of a Liverpool shipping merchant.

The vase was brought back in one of the merchant’s ships directly from China and has remained in the same family until the present.

Prior to the auction, the vase will be included in an exhibition of the finest pieces to be sold by leading international auctioneers and dealers during Asian Art in London, an annual celebration of oriental antiques and works of art which draws notably free-spending Chinese collectors to the UK.

The vase and other Asian art and antiques from Peter Wilson’s forthcoming sale will be on display at at the Rountree Tryon Galleries on Bury Street SW1 from noon on November 2.

Peter Wilson, principal Robert Stones, said: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of this important and beautiful vase. Its acceptance for inclusion in the exhibition during Asian Art in London will raise its profile among collectors and dealers visiting the UK considerably and we anticipate their participation when the piece is sold in Nantwich.”

The vase, which stands 46 cm with lid, is a masterpiece of doucai porcelain, the name meaning literally “joined colours”. Chinese porcelain manufacture reached its zenith of development under the Qianlong emperor who commissioned fine examples to be made for the Summer Palace.

The vase will be on display in Nantwich for the public view of the auction at Peter Wilson’s Victoria Gallery, on Sunday, November 23 from 2pm to 4pm; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday November 24-26, 10am to 5pm; and on the morning of the sale from 9am to 11am.

For further information, please contact the auctioneers, telephone 01270 623878 or auctions@peterwilson.co.uk.