A wucai weiqi jar, Wanli six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619). Estimate $8,000 – $12,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The deep, rounded sides are decorated with four dragons in iron red, underglaze blue and green glaze pursuing flaming pearls as they race between a band of flower-strewn waves that crash against rocks below, and a band of classic scroll above. The mark is within the recessed center of the flat, unglazed base. 5 ¼ in. (13.4 cm.) diam. of mouth, lacquer cover

Property from a Private Japanese Collection 

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