A Rare 'Anhua' Decorated White Glazed Ewer, Ming dynasty, Yongle Period. photo Sotheby's

the generous pear-shaped body supported on a short splayed foot, incised with a large continuous lotus flower scroll below an upright ruyi-head border, all beneath the flared mouthrim encircled by a meandering floral scroll, the tapering spout linked to the neck by a scrolling cloud-form strut further incised with a smaller floral scroll, the elegantly arched handle decorated with a leafy undulating scroll, surmounted with a small circular loop for attachment, the top and base of the handle mounted with silver brackets inlaid with ruby and white glass beads; height 12 1/2 in., 32 cm. Estimate 400,000—600,000 USD. Lot Sold  1,258,500 USD to a Private Collector

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 23 Mar 11. New York www.sothebys.com