Lot 1561. A blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620); 24cm., 9 1/2 in. Estimate HKD 250,000 — 300,000. Price realised HKD 307,500. Courtesy Sotheby's 

of well potted rectangular form with indented corners resting on a short foot, the cover with a rectangular panel enclosing two five-clawed dragons contesting a 'flaming pearl' amid cloud swirls and above rolling waves crashing against rockwork, surrounded by lotus blooms on meandering leafy stems above a keyfret band, the box decorated with a similar scrolling lotus meander below a keyfret band, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double rectangle.