A small Dingyao carved dish, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century. Estimate $4,000 – $6,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The dish has shallow sides rounding upwards in a slight flare to the metal-mounted rim, and the interior is carved with a leafy stem bearing a single lotus. The dish is covered inside and out with a glaze of ivory tone that also covers the base. 4 ¾ in. (12.1 cm.) diam.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza