A large and rare blue and white moonflask, bianhu, 18th century

Of compressed spherical shape on a short oval base and with short cylindrical neck flanked by trefoil handles, the body freely painted in linear strokes and washes of pale cobalt tones in 15th Century style with composite lotus, peony and chrysanthemum scrolls, the neck with a lotus meander below classic scroll around the rim. 18¼ in. (46.5 cm.) high. Est. 15,000 - £20,000 - Price realised £73,250

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art including Export Art. 12 May 2009. London, King Street www.christies.com