A large blue and white porcelain jar (guan) with associated cover. Ming Dynasty, Circa 1500

Thickly potted and painted with cloud clusters to the waisted neck, a band of lotus-filled lappets at the shoulder and babao combined with leafy scrolls around the lower body, the slightly recessed base unglazed, the associated cover also displaying the lotus-filled lappet band rendered in darker cobalt pigment. 15in (38cm) height overall - Estimate: $2,500 - 4,000

Bonhams. Asian Decorative Arts, 28 Jul 2009. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco www.bonhams.com