A Chinese ruby ground porcelain vase, mark of Tongzhi and possibly of the period, the ovoid body painted in iron red and black with sparrows flying amongst bamboo, above rocks, the flared neck painted with a polychrome design of lotus and scrolling tendrils on a ruby ground, flanked by a pair of moulded elephant mask handles, above a gilt ruyi head collar and similarly decorated foot, iron red printed seal mark to base, height approx 44.5cm (repaired and losses).