A tixi-carved lacquer bowl. Ming dynasty.  Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams

Of inverted bell form, the exterior walls deeply carved revealing layers of brown and red lacquer in two concentric rings of repeating geometric scroll patterns above the spade-shaped border encircling the foot rim (losses, repairs). 6 3/4in (17cm) diameter. Sold for US$1,000 

Provenance: Bonhams & Butterfields, San Francisco, Sale 14026, September 25, 2006, lot 1367.

Bonhams. Asian Decorative Arts, 13 Mar 2012, California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com