Lot 252. An archaistic silver and gold-inlaid bronze wine vessel and cover, You, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 30.2cm., 11 7/8 in. Estimate 12,000 — 18,000 GBP. Lot sold 80,500 GBP. © Sotheby's.

the pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a straight flanged rim, cast in low and medium relief with dragon taotie bands divided by taotie masks and vertical flanges variously inlaid in gold and silver, set at the shoulder with two loop handles suspending a high arched handle set with taotie mask terminals, the domed cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a lotus bud finial.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 14 May 2014