Lot 211. A blue and white garlic neck bottle vase, Ming dynasty, Chongzhen period, circa 1640; 36cm., 14 1/4 in. Estimate 4,000 — 6,000 GBP. Lot sold 8,750 GBP. © Sotheby's.

the slightly compressed globular body rising from a short straight foot to a tall tapering garlic knopped neck and flaring rim, brightly painted around the body in rich cobalt-blue tones with figures in a landscape and stylised geometric floral sprays to the neck, later highlighted with European gilt decoration.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 14 may 2014