Lot 9. A blue and white ‘lotus’ double-gourd vase, Jiajing mark and period (1522-1566); 24cm., 9 1/2 in. Estimate 15,000-20,000 GBP. Lot sold 43,750 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

well-potted with a broader lower bulb supporting a smaller bulb, each painted with a wide band of blooming lotus borne on undulating foliate stems, the waist encircled with a band of florets and the shoulder with lappets, the foot skirted with a band of ruyi-shaped lappets, all divided by line borders, the rim inscribed with a horizontal six-character reign mark.