A blue and white jar (Guan). Ming Dynasty, 16th century. Photo Sotheby's

of compressed baluster form, painted with a scene of Immortals carrying their respective attributes and various offerings with attendants proceeding towards a seated Shoulao, set within a garden courtyard with lush vegetation and cloud swirls, between a band of flying cranes amid cloud scrolls around the shoulders and galloping horses around the foot, the neck decorated with dragon medallions on a woven ground above a border of ruyi-heads. Height 12 3/4 in., 32.4 cm. Estimate 30,000-50,000 USD

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York. 14 september 2011 www.sothebys.com