London

A large red earthenware jar from Siwa era (14th-11th century BC), bronze age China, is offered at Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair for £3800 by W Shanshan, one of a clutch of new exhibitors appearing at the London event.

“We have been to the Pole and we shall die like gentlemen.”

Vietnamese buyers have sent the best works of art from the Le (1428-1789) and Nguyen (1802-1945) dynasties to unchartered territory in recent years.

Neolithic jade congs – the inspiration for many pieces of Qing and later porcelain – are probably some of the most intriguing objects from ancient Chinese culture.

Female artist at centre of early British Surrealism scene now fetches sizeable sums

In its stable of women artists Modern British art specialist Osborne Samuel features Sybil Andrews (1898-1992).

The soaring demand for sport memorabilia is evident from the result for the shirt of a player who did not even make it on to the pitch for a famous game.

Dealer Karen Taylor is among those noting that “collectors seem to be following the trend set by museums and buying more work by women”.

Works by Surrealist artist Ithell Colquhoun (1906-88) have been rising in popularity.

The rare book trade was kept busy on the evening of December 9 with two parties taking place.

'Plumb-pudding in danger or State Epicures taking un Petit Souper' is the most famous of all James Gillray’s satirical caricatures and perhaps the most well-known of all Georgian political cartoons.

A hat-trick of six-figure prices was achieved for England 1966 World Cup hero Alan Ball’s (1945-2007) winner’s medal, cup final shirt and World Cup cap.

The most famous of the many silversmiths in the German city of Hanau in the late 19th century was Neresheimer & Söhne.

An abstract painting by Bryan Wynter (1915-75) was discovered a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge auction house Kings Russell (28% buyer’s premium).

While a Beano No 1 will always take the headlines, not so well-known titles can also impress

Event will change next year to be held less frequently but with greater impact

While Ascot Gold Cups are not uncommon, the sight of two heading down the home straight to a rostrum finish on the same day was definitely rare.

Collectors are responding positively as dealers put overlooked female artists in the spotlight

Two separate legal cases involving leading London art dealers have concluded in the High Court.