A Chinese Longquan celadon glazed shallow bowl. Early Ming dynasty, 15th Century.  Courtesy Marchant

with flat everted rim, carved in the well with three phoenix birds in flight amongst insects, encircled by a continuous scrolling branch of flowering lotus, the exterior with a band of lappets above the foot, covered over all in a rich celadon glaze, the base with a burnt red unglazed ring.; 6 3/8 inches, 16.3cm diameter. Price on request

• Formerly in a private Japanese collection.