A Chinese Export Gilt-Decorated Powder-Blue Vase (Yen-Yen), Kangxi period, (1662-1722)

the body painted in gilding with vignettes of dragons in pursuit of 'flaming pearls' and fish with crabs, among scrolling clouds, the trumpet neck with two large phoenix in flight, all reserved on a powder-blue ground. height 17 7/8 in. Estimate 8,000—12,000 USD

Sotheby's. Important Americana. 23 Jan 09. New York. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com