A Ming blue and white bottle vase. Jiajing period (1522-1566). Photo Christies Ltd 2011

Painted around the pear-shaped body with large lotus flowers with feathery petals borne on leafy meandering scrolls, all above a lappet band at the foot, the shoulder with a wide band enclosing a stylised leafy scrolls, the base with a four-character inscription reading 'yong bao chang chun'; 9¼ in. (23.5 cm.) high. Estimate £10,000 - £15,000 ($16,710 - $25,065)

Notes: Yong bao chang chun may be translated as 'Eternal life and everlasting spring'.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art , 10 May 2011. London, King Street www.christies.com