Lot 158. A 'wucai' 'Immortal' dish, Tianqi mark and period (1621-1627); 16.5cm., 6 1/2 in. Estimate 4,000-6,000 GBP. Lot sold 11,875 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

the rounded sides rising from a tapering foot, painted to the interior with He Xiangu holding a bamboo ladle or fly-whisk over her shoulder riding on clouds beside an inscription reading jiantuo xiangyun sao runfu (carrying the clouds which sweeps through the embellished hall), the well and rim with radiating cloud wisps, leafy floral sprays and insects within a single line border, the underside with sketchy pendent branches, inscribed to the base with a four-character Tianqi mark within a double circle.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. London | 09 Nov 2011