An amber carving of a qilin seated on a green stained ivory stand, the stand 18th century

the amber beast modelled with a horn to the top if its head, with defined circular nodes to the spine and incised mane and tail detailing, the ivory stand carved and pierced as rockwork issuing bamboo branches and lingzhi sprays, stained a vibrant green -- the stand, 2¾in. (7cm.) wide. Est. £1,200 - £1,500 - Price Realised £23,750

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art & Textiles. 15 May 2009. London, South Kensington www.christies.com