Underlining this fact, the Chinese Ming Dynasty cinnabar lacquer mark and period bottle vase pictured here was the star performer at the 760-lot sale held by Paul Beighton Auctioneers in Thurcroft, near Rotherham in Yorkshire, on August 25-26.
The 5in (13cm) high ribbed neck bottle had a six-character Yongle mark and a collector's label, while the compressed globular body was deeply chased with four flowering peonies. It came from a local deceased estate and may possibly have been bought from one of the London salerooms in the 1960s or '70s.
Estimated at £2000-3000, it drew determined bidding and was taken up to a final £55,000 before it was knocked down to the London trade.
The buyer's premium was 17.5%.