Japanese ivory okimono stole the show in Somerset

This 1½in (3.5cm) Japanese ivory okimono stole the show at Tamylns’ in Bridgwater, Somerset when it sold to a telephone bidder for £13,000.

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.