Hannam’s

This 8in (19cm) high vase may belong to a select group of Ming cloisonné enamel vases dating to the Xuande period (1426-35).

A mixture of leading artist, intriguing subject, ‘prominent’ background and perhaps a bit of speculation helped propel a portrait of an Indian figure to 36 times the top estimate.

Although catalogued simply as an 18th century English School miniature, this portrait of an Indian prince is discretely signed and dated JS 1793.

An exceptional piece of Regency porcelain emerged for sale at Hannams (23% buyer’s premium) in Selborne, Hampshire, on February 21-24.

In 1902 the author Booker T Washington sent a typed and handwritten letter to the Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie regarding his recently published work.

This rare doucai porcelain vase, with Qianlong marks and probably of period, provided a classic tale of discovery in the saga of the Chinese boom.

A selection of these functional but fascinating objects that have appeared at recent sales

Estimated at £200-300 in the belief they were later copies, a pair of Sèvres dishes sold for £9500 at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium).

Hannam’s in Selborne, Hampshire, has achieved a new house record with the sale of this Qing famille rose vase for £520,000 (plus buyer’s premium).

Two very good pieces of English treen were offered by Hannam’s (23% buyer’s premium) at a recent auction in Selborne.

A double-gourd dragon vase was one of two excellent Chinese pieces to emerge from a deceased Hampshire estate into Selborne auction house Hannam’s (23% buyer’s premium) rooms on May 4.

Filigree or micro-carving was hugely popular among fashionable English society in the late 18th century.

Soldiers are often associated with hard drinking – but rarely temperance.

A late 19th century christening bowl offered by Hampshire auction house Hannam’s (23% buyer’s premium) was admired both for its artistry and ownership history.

Unrestored models selling for top results

Although catalogued as ‘a 19th century Japanese woodblock print’, the signature to a scene of a boat with Mount Fuji beyond gave a clue to its creator.

Cases of Australian animals stand out among a family home taxidermy treasure trove

This Mamluk-style pottery basin decorated with a band of kufic script is in fact the creation of ‘father of art pottery’ Frenchman Theodore Deck (1823-91).