A tiny Ru-ware brush washer has become the worlds most expensive ceramic after it was sold at Hong Kong Sothebys for a record-breaking price. The brush washer from the late Northern Song (960-1127) went to auction at Sothebys Hong Kong this morning and the bidding started at HK$80m.

How can you tell if its majolica?

Old, authentic majolica is very colorful, their glazes will have a rich, lustrous color hue. Modern reproductions will be much more garish in their colors. While the true antique majolica pieces are carefully glazed, the new pieces can be sloppy, with drips and glaze runs.