An Underglaze Blue And Iron Red-decorated Stem Bowl, 18th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd, 2011

Raised on a slightly waisted stem foot, decorated in underglaze blue with scrolling clouds surrounding leaping winged dragons painted in iron red, below a band of geometric pattern to the rim; the interior painted to the centre with a roundel of a dragon in flight amidst cloud; 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £4,000 - £6,000. Price Realized £577,250

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Textiles, 11 November 2011. London, South Kensington www.christies.com