A blue and white stem cup.Jiajing six-character mark and of the period

A blue and white stem cup.Jiajing six-character mark and of the period © 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

Typically painted around the exterior beneath a turned-over rim with two five-clawed dragons, their backs incised with simulated scales, striding in mutual pursuit of a flaming pearl trailing a long fire scroll, above scattered cloud coils and a band of cloud-collar lappets, the interior with a central roundel of a full-faced five-clawed dragon, the mark written in blue within the hollow foot; 10.5cm (4¼in) high. Sold for £21,600

Footnote: Provenance: S.Marchant & Son, London (label)
A European private collection

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 11 Nov 2010. New Bond Street  www.bonhams.com