A Ding jar and cover, Late Tang-Five dynasties, 10th century. Estimate HK$700,000-900,000 (US$91,000-120,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The jar is well potted with straight sides supported on a cylindrical foot, and rises sharply to an angular shoulder surmounted by a short cylindrical neck. The cover is applied with a small finial at the slightly domed centre. The exterior is carved with rope twist design running down the sides. It is covered with an ivory-white glaze pooling in the recesses. 3 in. (8.6 cm.) high

PROVENANCE: Acquired in Japan, 2005

Note: Jars and covers of this type are very rare. A closely related example of this current jar and cover also dated to the same period but of slightly smaller size, is illustrated in Decorated Porcelains of Dingzhou: White Ding wares from the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2014, p. 21, no. I-2.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART FROM THE YAOGUSHANFANG COLLECTION, 6 April 2015, 22nd Floor