A Rare Small White-Glazed Trilobed Box And Cover. 10th-11th Century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2011

Thinly potted, the cover molded as three petal lobes radiating from a small figure of a recumbent lion applied to center, the box of conforming shape, the fine white ware covered on the exterior with a clear glaze with slightly greenish tint that continues over the shallow foot onto the base; 4 in. (10.2 cm.) long. Estimate $10,000 - $12,000

Notes: A white-glazed box and cover of this shape, but of smaller size (8.9 cm. long) and molded with a formal floral roundel rather than a recumbent lion such as that seen on the present box, from the Barlow Collection, University of Sussex, Brighton, is illustrated by W. Watson, Tang and Liao Ceramics, New York, 1984, p. 251, no. 302, where it is described as Northern China white ware, 10th century.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II,  15 - 16 September 2011. New York, Rockefeller Plazza www.christies.com