A rare blue and white Bajixiang dish, Chenghua period (1465-1487). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014.

The shallow dish has gently flaring sides and a slightly everted rim, supported by a short tapering foot. It is covered in an unctuous glaze and decorated to the interior with a large double-vajra symbol surrounding a central roundel. The exterior with the Eight Buddhist Emblems, Bajixiang amongst scrolling lotus and foliage. 6 ½ in. (16.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £7,000 – £10,000 ($11,753 - $16,790)

Christie's. THE C. PHILIP CARDEIRO COLLECTION OF CHINESE ART, 13 May 2014. London, King Street - www.christies.com