A rare pair of green, yellow and aubergine-glazed cups, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate $20,000 – $30,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each has deep sides rising from a rounded bottom to the flared rim and is covered on the exterior with a deep egg yolk-yellow glaze and on the interior with a rich green glaze, while the chilong that forms the handle is glazed aubergine. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm.) wide across handle, wood stands, box

Note: A very similar cup, but with yellow-glazed interior and exterior, and the handle glazed green, is illustrated by R. L. Hobson, B. Rackham and W. King, Chinese Ceramics in Private Collections, London, 1931, p. 128, fig. 231. For another similar example, but with a purple glaze, see Mayuyama, Seventy Years, vol. I, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 1081, from the Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Japan.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza