A grey and black jade cup, Ming dynasty or earlier (1368-1644)

of lobed hexagonal form, raised on a flaring foot, the exterior carved with three pairs of dragons facing each other, the foot with a scrolling geometric motif, incised characters 'Jie Fu' to base -- 2½in. (6.4cm.) high, later wood stand. Est. £1,000 - £1,500 - Price Realised £133,250

Provenance: From an English private collection acquired in China during the 1940's.

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art & Textiles. 15 May 2009. London, South Kensington www.christies.com