A tixi lacquer foliate-form tray. 16th-17th Century. Photo Bonhams

Its shallow well and both sides of the curving walls carved in deep relief with a design of spirals and scrolls that reveal alternating layers of black and red lacquer above a pale colored lacquer guide layer, the recessed base and the foot coated with black lacquer, 14in (36.5cm) long - Sold for US$3,660

Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 21 Jun 2011, San Francisco www.bonhams.com