A very rare small famille verte 'eggshell' wine cup, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate $12,000 - $18,000. Price Realized $22,500 . Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The cup is very thinly potted with steep sides and is painted around the exterior with a continuous scene of birds and butterflies amidst peony and magnolia growing around rocks, all on a pale green ground. The rim of the cup is encircled by narrow bands of yellow and purple enamel, and a diaper ground interrupted by reserved panels containing bamboo. 2 3/16 in. (5.5 cm.) high, wood stand carved by Lai Loy

Provenance: Property from the Lai Family Collection.

Christie's. THE LAI FAMILY COLLECTION OF FINE CHINESE FURNITURE AND WORKS OF ART, 17 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza