A Wucai brushpot, bitong, Transitional period, 1640-1660. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The cylindrical brushpot is decorated with a bird perched on a flowering branch beside rocks, interspersed with further flower heads on leaves, all reserved on an iron red circular pattern ground. 5¾ in. (14.6 cm.) high. Estimate £1,000 – £1,500 ($1,687 - $2,531)

Christie's. CHINESE CERAMICS, WORKS OF ART AND TEXTILES, 14 May 2014, London, South Kensington - http://www.christies.com/