The Japanese ivory okimono that took £13,000 at Tamylns.
Beautifully carved but unsigned, it depicts a dragon amongst clouds chasing a flaming pearl. Unusually a loose ball is contained within the dragon's body.
It had sustained a very small crack but otherwise was in good condition.
The serious competition at the sale on February 26 came down to two internet bidders and the successful telephone buyer, thought to be a private collector.
