Chinese Export Pottery Parrots, Late 18th Century. Photo courtesy M.S. Rau Antiques.

8 7/8" high. Price: $4,850

This wonderful pair of Chinese export pottery parrots was crafted during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the late 18th century. With their vivid green-glazed bodies and cold-painted red beaks, these exceptional figures were created to satisfy the European fascination with the exotic bird, which first began to be introduced as pets as early as the 15th century. The parrots are modeled in mirror image on pierced rock formations adorned in brown glaze.

M.S. Rau Antiques. http://www.rauantiques.com/