Lot 42. An incised white-glazed square jar, Jiajing mark and period (1522-1566). Height 12.2 cm, 4¾ in. Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the square body with rounded sides rising from a tapered foot to a short neck and lipped rim, incised with alternating flying phoenixes amidst cloud wisps, between ruyi scrolls and a band of upright plantain leaves around the neck and foot, applied overall save for the footring with a transparent glaze, the countersunk base with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue within a double-square.

Sotheby's. Imperial Porcelain – A Private Collection, Live Auction, London, 4 November 2020, 10:00 GMT