A carved cinnabar lacquer incense box and cover. 16th-17th century. photo Bonhams

The domed circular cover deftly carved through layers of cinnabar lacquer to depict a luohan seated upon a rock beneath a pine tree, wearing loosely-fitted robes open to the waist, his right arm raised holding a ring which he is using to tame a tiger, all set against wanzi and wave diaper grounds, the box carved with pierced rockwork and clouds against similar grounds, the base and interiors lacquered black. 8.7cm (3½in) diam. (2). Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000, HK$35,000 - 59,000

Bonhams.  Fine Chinese Art, 13 May 2010. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com