A small zitan Scholar's Chest. 18th century. Photo Sotheby's

of square form with flat-topped hinged cover above a pair of paneled doors opening to reveal an arrangement of four drawers with oval-shaped drawer pulls, the exterior with bail handles on the sides, rectangular hinges, circular lockplate with ruyi-head hasp and vase-shaped door pulls, all raised on a low plinth (5); Height 9 1/8 in., 23.2 cm; Width 9 in., 22.9 cm; Depth 9 in., 22.9 cm; Estimate 20,000-30,000 USD

PROVENANCE: MD Flacks Ltd., New York.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York. 14 september 2011 www.sothebys.com