A carved and reticulated nephrite hat finial. Ming dynasty. Photo Bonhams

With egrets depicted standing amid lotus leaves and flowers, with four holes to the bottom for mounting to a hat, the matrix of a soft luster in a translucent pale gray-green hue with russet patches. 1 3/4in (4.4cm) high. Sold for US$11,250

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 20 Dec 2011, California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com