A Blue and White Porcelain Water Dropper.Joseon dynasty (19th century). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Compressed and hexagonal, painted in underglaze blue on the top with a hexagonal panel within double lines of a dragon with flaming pearl amongst clouds, the sides painted with trigrams separated by scalloped clouds, the vessel additionally decorated with a glossy clear glaze save the inset ring foot, moulded with a short, cylindrical spout at the top edge; 2¾in. (7.2cm.) high; 4 3/8in. (11.4cm.) diameter - Estimate: $35,000 - $40,000 

Literature: Rhee Byung-chang, Richo toji Yi Ceramics, in Kankoku bijutsu shusen Masterpieces of Korean Art (Tokyo: privately published, 1978), no. 481. 

Christie's. Japanese & Korean Art, 11 September 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com