Song ceramics among highlights of May auctions

Such large vessels are rare among ding wares and posed a particular challenge to the potters and kiln masters, according to Christie's. The piece is said to show the skill of the Northern Song craftsmen who made it.

Almeida added that the auction house has seen a growing interest of Song Dynasty ceramics from new collectors, mainly from the Chinese mainland.

Sotheby's cover lot is a rare Jun foliate-rim vase dating to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). It is described as one of the most complex and memorable forms created in the Jun kilns prior to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).