Lot 3. A sancai-glazed 'duck' waterpot, Tang Dynasty (618-906); 9.8cm (3 7/8in) long. Sold for £ 1,250 (€ 1,403). © Bonhams

The hollow vessel formed as a bird with raised head and bulging eyes flanking the stubby beak, the wings sweeping over each side of the pot streaked with brown glaze over the beak and wing tip, blue over the head and wings and green on the body, blue streaks also running into the creamy interior, box.