A rare blue and white jar. Kangxi six-character mark and of the period. Photo Bonhams

Of ovoid form, rising to the high shoulders and short waisted neck, finely painted with a central register enclosing four taotie masks, between a band on the shoulders with four taotie cartouches and a similar band above the foot. 13.2cm (5 ¼in) high. Sold for £145,250

Provenance: S.Marchant & Son, London

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 10 Nov 2011, New Bond Street  www.bonhams.com