porcelain

It’s an onslaught of extravagant Rococo, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, modern and contemporary porcelain showpieces, gilded and in dazzling blues, turquoises, ochers and pinks—made for sovereigns, dignitaries, diplomats, heads of state and the wealthy elite.

Next to the mannequin is a small black vanity desk and mirror with makeup and porcelain wishbones filling the table’s surface.

Chan opens the wooden gate and ushers me into a sanctuary of his creation: a yard flanked by a tall tree, a worn picnic bench and a Chinese porcelain table and stools.

David's lounge is a riot of colour – on the floor of his living room are porcelain figurines, hundreds of yellowed newspapers and, balanced across the back of his settee, several thousand Barbie dolls.

Three items were seized - a rare pomegranate vase; a doucai-style wine cup and a porcelain bowl - and had a combined insured value of £2.8m.