Lot 166. A rare Ming-style blue and white 'six dragons' bowl, Xuande six-character mark, early 18th century, 22.2cm (8 3/4in) diam. Estimate £4,000 - 6,000 (€4,800 - 7,100). Photo: Bonhams.

Of conical shape with gently sloping sides, the exterior painted in vivid shades of cobalt blue with six wrathful five-clawed dragons detailed with horns and manes, striding amidst scrolling flames above protruding rocks emerging from swirling and crashing waves, the interior decorated with a central medallion enclosing a stylised shou character bordered by ruyi-heads within a foliate cartouche, fitted with metal rim.

Provenance: a British private collection, and thence by descent

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET