A fine and rare Famille Verte-decorated susancai bowl. Kangxi six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1662-1722)

With steep sides rising to the flared rim, the exterior painted in famille verte enamels with two clusters of rose and tree peony partially obscuring five-clawed striding dragons chasing two incised pearls hidden beneath butterflies in flight. 5 7/8 in. (14.8 cm.) diam. Japanese wood box - Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000

Notes: This unusual double decoration seems to only be found on bowls of this design and corresponding dishes enameled with pomegranates. Several examples of the former with nearly identical decoration, although some with variation in the color scheme of the flowers, have been published. See one illustrated in Treasures in the Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 67; one in Kangxi Porcelain Wares From the Shanghai Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1998, p. 221, no. 143; one in the collection of the Beijing Palace Museum, Qingdai Yuyao Ciqi, vol. I, part I, Beijing, 2005, pp. 142-3, no 37; and another from the Tianminlou Collection, Chinese Porcelain: The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, parts I & II, no. 81.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 17 September 2008. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com