A parcel-gilt silver ritual ewer. Tibet or Mongolia, 19th century. Photo Bonhams

Raised on a tapering lotus foot, the pear-shaped body set with a long tapering faceted spout issuing from the mouth of a dragon and secured to the body by interlinked square earrings. Set opposite a slender S-shaped dragon-headed handle linked to the domed cover, with a finial and rim also finished with gilt. The roundels on the body depict writhing dragons surrounded by gems of the chakravartin. 11 ¼ in. (28.6 cm.). Estimate: US$3,000 - 5,000

Bonhams. The Sartin Collection of Asian Art, 13 Sep 2011, New York www.bonhams.com