A large longquan celadon 'dragon' dish. Ming dynasty, 15th century

A large longquan celadon 'dragon' dish. Ming dynasty, 15th century

the interior carved to the centre with a writhing five-claw dragon amongst cloud scrolls, with a wide band of scrolling lotus to the well, Japanese wood box. 40.5cm., 15 7/8 in. Est. 8,000—12,000 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London.  www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's