A large and impressive Ming oviform vase. Jiajing. Photo Bonhams

Designed with an hexagonal rim, oviform body and unglazed base; decorated with six panels, variously depicting tigers, cranes, peacocks, long-tailed birds and birds-of-prey. Contained in a fitted Japanese wood box with an inscription; 48cm (19in) high (2). Estimate: £60,000 - 80,000, HKD 760,000 - 1,000,000

Provenance: Ex. A Private Collection in Japan.

For another example, also dated to the Jiajing reign [1522-1566], see the Marchant exhibition catalogue of Ming Porcelain [October/November 2009] No.20. The Marchant example also has an unglazed base, depicting cranes in flight on the six panels of the body.

Chinese & other Asian Works of Art, 9 May 2011, Knightsbridge www.bonhams.com