A white jade vase, cover and stand, 20th century

the body of ovoid form with straight neck and small flared foot, with two pairs of loose-ring Buddhistic lion-head handles to the shoulder, and a smaller set, at right angles to the first, to the centre of the body, the surface carved in relief with an archaistic taotie mask band above a band of stiff lappets depicting stylised confronting dragons, the fitted cover with a fierce Buddhistic lion finial, the separate stand raised on four supports -- 9 7/8in. (25cm.) high, fitted box. Est. £10,000 - £15,000 - Price Realised £42,050

Provenance: From an English private collection, acquired prior to 1985.

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art & Textiles. 15 May 2009. London, South Kensington www.christies.com