Lot 314. A blue and white ‘Magic Fountain’ ewer, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period (1522-1566); 32.5cm., 12¾in. Estimate 30,000 — 40,000 GBP. Lot sold 37,500 GBP. Photo: Sotheby’s

the flattened pear-shaped body raised on a spreading base with tall hexagonal serpentine spout and looping bracket handle applied with a lug to attach the cover, 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, the base with a mark reading Changsheng bulao (Live forever and never become old).