A pair of Chinese Export Blue and White Beaker Vases, Kangxi period, (1662-1722)

each rising from a rounded foot to an everted rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue with three vertical vignettes featuring various flowers borne on tall stems with rockwork, birds and insects fluttering above, against coin-diaper grounds, all between ruyi-head panels enclosing foliate scrolls. 39.4 cm - Estimate 15,000—25,000 USD

Sotheby's. Important Americana. 23 Jan 09. New York. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com