Lot 109. A rare celadon-glazed 'butterfly' box and cover, Tang dynasty-Five dynasties. Diameter 2 ⅞ in., 7.3 cm. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000 USD. Lot sold: 12,600 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of compressed circular form, the narrow straight sides tapering towards a flat base, the domed cover molded to the top with a butterfly in flight, the auspicious insect highlighted with dark brown spots at the head and wings, covered with a translucent glaze of a pale celadon color suffused with a fine network of crackles (2).

Property from a Boston Private Collection.

Provenance: J.J. Lally & Co., New York, 2011.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 17 march 2021