A blue and white bottle, Transitional period, circa 1635-1650. Estimate $6,000 – $8,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The body is decorated with a scene of six scholars gathered in a landscape setting, four shown seated, one holding a fan, one reading and one studying a painting, with a weiqi board and four wine cups in the foreground, and all below a foliate scroll band and three leafy flower stems on the tall neck. 14 5/8 in. (37.2 cm.) high

Note: The imagery of numerous scholars gathering together to enjoy the pleasures of drinking and poetry composition originated from the famous preface by Wang Xizhi (A.D. 307-65) bearing the title Lanting Xu, 'Preface (written) at the Orchid Pavilion'. This ideal prevailed throughout Chinese history to become a widespread theme that manifested in painting and works of art. 

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza