Lot 185. A large blue and white garlic-necked bottle vase, Transitional period; 41cm., 16 1/8 in. Est. 3,000—5,000 GBP. Lot Sold 6,875 GBP. Courtesy Sotheby's 2009.

of globular form with tall slender garlic neck and supported on a short spreading foot, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with a scholar holding a fly whisk and a lady holding a branch of prunus and an elderly official with a stick, all divided by rocks and swirling mist, the neck with two bands of stylised tulips separated by further bands of Daoist emblems, Japanese wood box. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London