A Chinese Export Leaf-shaped Blue And White Dish, circa 1770

painted with a male and female figure among flowering branches, dragon flies and a pair of quail in the foreground, surrounded by a floral scroll border on the serrated rim. length 12 1/2 in./31.8 cm. Estimate 5,000—7,000 USD

Sotheby's. Important Americana. 23 Jan 09. New York. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com