A large blue and white brushpot. Transitional period, circa 1640. Photo Sotheby's

of cylindrical form with knife-pared foot, painted in brilliant cobalt-blue tones with officials and attendants gathered around a seated dignitary, to the left two bearded figures kneeling and presenting a boot to one of the officials, all set in a terraced garden within a rocky landscape with misty clouds, the rim and foot incised with a stylised floral scroll and a chevron band respectively; 21.2cm., 8 3/8 in. Estimate 0,000-60,000 GBP. Lot Sold: 109,250 GBP

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