Lot 21. A blue and white 'Dragon and Phoenix' jar, Wanli mark and period (1573-1620); 13 cm, 5 1/4  in. Estimate 50,000 — 70,000 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's

the compressed globular body rising from a short spreading foot to an incurved rim, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with five-clawed dragons, phoenix and cranes amidst swirling cloud scrolls, the base inscribed with a six-character mark in underglaze blue.

Provenance: Christie's New York, 16th September 2011, lot 1485.