Song ceramics among highlights of May auctions

Other items on offer include a rare carved cinnabar lacquer boat-shaped incense box. Something that "required great technical skills" to make.

Sotheby's said the boat reveals the Qianlong emperor's taste for opulence and his passion for unusual playthings.

On May 16, Bonhams Fine Chinese Art auction will feature a rare and large blue and white Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) "immortals" double-gourd vase from the Jiajing period. The item is expected to fetch 120,000 pounds when it is sold.

Such vases would have been made for the celebration of the birthday of the Jiajing emperor, who was a devout Daoist, Bonhams said.

A collection of Chinese export porcelain will also be offered at the auction, including a rare pair of famille rose goose tureens.