An unusual, large enamelled Yixing teapot and cover made in the early part of the nineteenth century has sold for £47,000 at Bonhams Asian Art sale.

It had been estimated at between £5,000-8,000.

The teapot had been in the possession of a Scottish family for nearly 40 years and was only brought to Bonhams for valuation as an afterthought with some other items.

It had been kept as a cherished ornament although it did see action at least one important family party when it was the only teapot in the house large enough to cope with the number of thirsty merrymakers.

The family is was said to be "understandably delighted" that it sold for such a high sum.

This traditional style of teapot has been made in Yixing since the fifteenth century, using the local clay, and is celebrated all over China.

Yixing pots are usually smaller than ones used in the West because Chinese tea drinkers use smaller cups and frequently refill the pot to keep the tea fresh.

Bonhams Asian Art specialist in Scotland, Ian Glennie, said, “This Yixing teapot is unusually large which suggests it was made for export rather than the home market.

"It is certainly a rare piece which accounts for the fierce bidding and the very good price."