Lot 87. A green-enamelled ‘dragon’ jar, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate 120,000 — 180,000 HKD (10,947 - 16,421 GBP) (15,470 - 23,206 USD). Unsold. Photo Sotheby's.

the ovoid body rising to a short tapered neck, the exterior finely pencilled in black and painted with green enamels, depicting two sinuous five-clawed dragons striding amongst flame wisps and stylised cloud scrolls, their front legs extended forward in pursuit of a flaming pearl, above a band of overlapping lotus lappets, the shoulder decorated with the beribboned bajixiang (Eight Buddhist Treasures) between a band of swirls and pendent ruyi heads, wood cover; 17.5 cm, 6 7/8  in.

Provenance: Puttick & Simpson, London, 2nd January 1962 (£20). 
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1962 (£20).
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1962 (£48).

Note: Painted with a sinuous dragon against evenly spaced clouds, this jar depicts a classic design that enjoyed increasing popularity throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Compare a related jar offered at Christie’s London, 2nd November 1987, lot 5

Sotheby's. The Pilkington Collection of Chinese Art, Hong Kong, 06 Apr 2016