Lot 51. A 'Yue' 'Mythical beast' waterpot, Six dynasties (221-589); 9 cm, 3 1/2  in. Estimate £8,000 - £12,000. © Sotheby's.

the hollow beast depicted seated with head facing forward and four limbs holding its abdomen, two of the limbs modelled to form a pair of small loop handles flanking the short tubular aperture surmounted on top, the body detailed with incised scales, applied overall with an olive-green glaze save for the base revealing the reddish-brown body underneath.