A small blue and white box and cover. Du li fu mark, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's

of trapezoidal form, painted around the three sides in deep cobalt-blue with cranes swooping amongst cloud swirls, the fourth with a chysanthemum spray and an endless knot, the cover of conforming shape decorated with three bajixiang, including the parasol, vase and twin-fish, alternating with peach sprays, surmounted by a small circular knop, the base inscribed with the characters Du li fu ('Superintendant of the Government office') within a double rectangle - 9.8 cm., 3 7/8 in. - Lot Sold: 87,500 HKD

PROVENANCE: A Private Japanese Collection

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 08 Oct 08. Hong Kong - www.sothebys.com