A blue and white jar. Wanli mark and period. Photo: Sotheby's

the baluster body rising from a recessed base to a short waisted rim, painted around the exterior with four arched panels of frontal facing five-clawed dragons writhing amongst flame scrolls, all between a lappet collar at the shoulder and a band of stiff leaves at the base; 19.5cm., 7 5/8 in. Est. 30,000—50,000 GBP. Lot Sold 85,250 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 10 Nov 10, London www.sothebys.com