Lot 318. A blue and white ‘Magic Fountain’ ewer, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period (1522-1566); 32cm., 12 5/8 in. Estimate 30,000 — 40,000 GBP. Lot sold 47,500 GBP. Photo: Sotheby’s

the tall spreading base rising to a flattened pear-shaped body, the tall hexagonal serpentine spout and looping bracket handle applied with a lug, painted with breaking waves around the spreading base and a qilin supporting the basin of a fountain issuing water from phoenix and dragon-head spouts, below plantain leaves around the flaring neck, the spout with auspicious lozenges and flame-scrolls and the handle with floral motifs.