A Chinese Export famille rose phoenix. Qianlong period. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2012

Modeled with its speckled pink head turned, its back with colorful plumage enriched with black tracery, standing on a rocky mound 10½ in. (26.6 cm.) high. Estimate $8,000 - $12,000

Notes/ In China the phoenix, also known as the Fenghuang or August Rooster, is a good omen that often marks the beginning of a new era and appears in times of prosperity and peace.

Christie's. Chinese Export Art. 23 January 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com