A Chinese wucai Gu vase. Transitional. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Painted to the body in underglaze blue with vibrant iron-red and green enamels with a procession of scholarly figures and their attendants, below bands of blossoming peony and chrysanthemum issuing from rockwork - 20 5/8 in. (52.5 cm.) high - Estimate £500 - £800 ($799 - $1,278)

Christie's. The Country House Sale - Newton Hall. 20 January 2010. London, South Kensington www.christies.com