A large blue and white brushpot, bitong, Transitional period, ca. 1640. © Christie's 2003

The very slightly waisted sides finely painted with a continuous scene of scholar officials engaged in various leisurely pursuits and attendants in a lush mountainous setting with bamboo, pine and plantain trees and frolicking deer, the scene set between lightly incised bands of stylized waves around the mouth rim and base - 9in. (22.8cm.) high. Lot 299. Estimate $7,000 - $9,000. Price Realized $65,725 

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza