A massive Ming-style blue and white 'dragon' charger. 18th-19th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd, 2011

Stoutly potted with gently rounded sides terminating with a wide rim, brightly painted to the interior with a five-clawed writhing dragon above rock and crashing waves, the cavetto with three sinuous dragons amidst vaporous clouds, the rim with a band of crashing waves, the reverse with further dragons amidst clouds; 31¼ in. (76.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £20,000 - £30,000 .  Price Realized £25,000

清   十八／十九世紀   青花海水雲龍大盤

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 8 November 2011; London, King Street www.christies.com