Lot 120. A blue and white bottle vase, circa 1640; 38 cm, 15 in. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 GBP. Lot sold 10,000 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's 2017

the globular body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall slightly waisted neck and flaring mouth, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with scholars seated conversing in a garden, all below a band of stylised flowers at the neck.