Lot 91. A blue and white 'Lotus and Peacock' vase, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period (1522-1566); 35cm., 13 3/4 in. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 GBP. Lot sold 10,000 GBP. © Sotheby's 2013.

the elegant broad shouldered body rising from a spreading recessed base to a short waisted neck, painted around the exterior in rich dark cobalt-blue tones with a broad band of peacocks in flight over leafy scrolling lotus, all between lotus and ruyi bands at the base and shoulder and a crane and ruyi cloud band at the neck