Lot 1809. A set of nine famille rose nesting cups, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 2 1/8 to 4 3/16 in. (5.4 to 10.7 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 50,000. Price realised USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.  

Each thinly potted and with steep sides rising to a flared, gilded rim, the exteriors painted with quadrilobed cartouches framing erotic scenes of couples in interiors, interspersed with various leafy, floral sprays, all reserved on the lime-green sgraffiato ground. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011