A safavid blue and white moulded soft paste porcelain bottle. Iran, 17th century. Photo: Courtesy Christie's

On short vertical foot, the body of drop shape rising to tapering tubular neck, the white ground decorated with in two tones of blue with a repeating design of hovering and sitting birds surrounded by floral motifs, above a register of cobalt quatrefoil motifs and vertical bands containing repeated scrolling motifs, the underside with makers mark, the neck broken and replaced with Qajar mount - 11¼in. (28.6cm.) high  - Estimate : £3,000 - £5,000 ($5,298 - $8,830)

Christie's. Art Of The Islamic And Indian Worlds. 7 October 2008. London, King Street - www.christies.com