An incised yellow-glazed 'dragon and phoenix' bowl. Daoguang seal mark and period. Photo Sotheby's

the deep rounded sides rising from a straight foot, the exterior incised with two five-clawed dragons and phoenix in pursuit of flaming pearls among stylised flame scrolls, all above a lappet band, covered overall with a rich yellow glaze, the base with a six-character Daoguang seal mark in underglaze aubergine; 10.1cm., 4in. Estimate 20,000-30,000 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. London | 09 Nov 2011 www.sothebys.com