A pair of Chinese Export famille rose hawk boxes and covers. circa 1750.  Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2012

Each pink-bodied bird modeled with its colorful wings outstretched, the feathers picked out in black and gilt; 8¼ in. (20.9 cm.) long (4). Estimate $12,000 - $18,000

Notes: This form was likely used as a trinket box, rather than on the dining room table. For a nearly identical pair in the Sowell Collection, see M. Cohen and W. Motley, Mandarin and Menagerie: Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Figures, Surrey, 2008, p. 272, no. 19.4. Also see W.R. Sargent,The Copeland Collection, Salem, 1991, pp. 172-3, no. 80 for a brown colored pair in The Peabody Museum of Salem. 

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