A small blue and white bowl. Mark and period of Wanli . Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's

painted on the exterior in deep tones of cobalt-blue with four medallions enclosing a leafy peony spray, separated by ruyi scrolls, the interior with a central medallion enclosing a ferocious five-clawed dragon writhing amidst cloud swirls in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', with a band of lança characters below the rim, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double-circle - 9 cm., 3 1/2 in.. - Lot Sold: 112,500 HKD

PROVENANCE: A Private Japanese Collection

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 08 Oct 08. Hong Kong - www.sothebys.com