A Chinese Export songbird. 19th century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2012

Modeled perched atop pierced rockwork, its feathers picked out in black and brown 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) high. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000

Christie's. Chinese Export Art. 23 January 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com