Two blue and white circular box bases, the first with Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1522-1566); the second with Wanli six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1573-1619). Estimate £2,000 – £3,000 ($3,068 - $4,602). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The first base is decorated to the exterior with floral cartouches below a keyfret band at the rim. The second base is modelled to the interior with compartments arranged as a flower-head and is decorated to the exterior with four dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl amongst foliate scrolls. The largest 8 5/8 in. (22 cm.) diam.

Provenance: The first: The Collection of Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper (1895-1981), no. B.W. 14.

Christie's. CHINESE CERAMICS, WORKS OF ART AND TEXTILES, 12 May 2015, London, South Kensington