As we've reported, the top lot in I M Chait's upcoming Asia Week auction is a 12-flanged Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain 'palace vase'.

The complex vase is decorated with a continuous design of dragons and phoenix amid foliage and flowers. At the neck, moulded lion head handles soar above double rows of vertical flanges attached at the base and mid section of the 34 inch tall beaker.

But there are many other highlights.

Standing only 8 inches tall, a ritual blue and white water sprinkler from the early Ming Dynasty 15th Century is a diminutive gem. The water sprinkler's squared spout protrudes from a body of classic Islamic form covered with scrolling foliage and lotus blossoms.

Not for the garden shed - the Ming Dynasty sprinkler

It is of the Period and bears the Xuande reign mark and carries a catalogue high estimate of $350,000.

The lead-up to these lots is marked with excellent values in the $10,000 to $40,000 range.

Chinese ritual pottery then takes the podium. At the highest level is a Tang sancai glazed figural grouping, comprised of two horses and their matching grooms. The horses - one of chestnut glaze and the other of a greenish-tint cream glaze - stand foursquare and have (later) hair manes and green saddles.

The grooms - one in a green tunic, the other dressed in brown - have animated arms. The overall height of the four is 20 inches and is valued at a catalogue high of $60,000. The auction takes place on March 21, following an exhibition in New York.