A gilt-bronze ewer and cover. Ming dynasty, 16th century

A gilt-bronze ewer and cover. Ming dynasty, 16th century

of Islamic metalware form, the pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall narrow waisted neck and everted tapering rim, set to one side with an elegant long S-shaped spout issuing from a monster mask and to the other with a similarly shaped handle terminating with a lingzhi spray, decorated around the exterior in medium relief with dense leafy lotus scrolls, the domed cover surmounted by a lion finial, the base cast with a four-character studio mark. 30.5cm., 12in. Est. 7,000—9,000 GBP. Lot Sold 17,500 GBP

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