A set of five kinrande dishes. Ming dynasty, 16th century

the rounded sides of each rising to a flared rim, painted to the centre with blue foliate scrolls, below a wide band of ruyi-shaped panels on a diaper ground in iron-red, gilt, turquoise and green enamel, Japanese wood box. 19.1cm., 7 1/2 in. Est. 5,000—7,000 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's.