A Slip-inlaid Celadon Stoneware Bowl with Cranes and Clouds. Goryeo dynasty (late 12th century). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Well balanced on a short ring foot with curved walls, inlaid in white slip on the interior with a large chrysanthemum medallion in the cavetto bordered by a narrow band of foliage above a wide band of four flying cranes and tiny squiggle-shaped clouds, the details of the head and feet of the cranes articulated in iron-slip inlay; the exterior decorated in white and iron slip inlay with successive bands of lappets, above the foot, four chrysanthemum roundels bordered by scrolling foliage and by a top band of the cranes and tiny clouds used in the interior; the bowl additionally applied with a celadon glaze with emerald flushes; 4¾in. (12cm.) diameter; 2 3/8in. (6.1cm.) high - Estimate $40,000 - $50,000

Christie's. Japanese & Korean Art, 11 September 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com