A large straw-glazed pottery amphora. Sui-Early Tang dynasty.

A large straw-glazed pottery amphora. Sui-Early Tang dynasty. photo Sotheby's

the tall ovoid body surmounted by a waisted neck rising to a cupped mouth, flanked by a pair of dragons biting the rim, their bodies coiled around the neck, their lower legs and tails resting on the shoulders, covered overall in a straw-colored glaze; height 21 1/4 in., 54 cm. Estimate 8,000—12,000 USD. Lot Sold 13,750 USD

Sotheby's. Informing the Eye of the Collector: Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art from J.T. Tai & Co. 22 Mar 11. New York www.sothebys.com