Lot 3205. A carved yellow jade 'chilong' vase, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Estimate 1,200,000 — 1,800,000 HKD. Lot sold 5,060,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's 

of baluster form with a high shoulder and a short waisted neck, the gently rounded flared sides rising from an recessed oval base, carved in high relief around the body with three clambering chilong, the mythical beasts naturalistically rendered with a writhed body, powerful limbs and a long curling tail, skilfully planned to incorporate the natural veining of the stone, the warm greenish-yellow translucent stone with patches of russet skin and a smooth polish; 14.3 cm., 5 5/8 in.

Notes: A larger vase of this type, but of pear shape and carved with three chilong crawling across the body, was sold in our London rooms, 28th October 1983, lot 215; and a covered vase, was sold in our London rooms, 5th June 1981, lot 14.

The playfulness of the chilong decorating this vase is accentuated through the clever use of the skin and natural inclusions which have mainly been reserved to the creatures and mouth of the vase, creating a sense of movement and dynamism suited to the subject.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Hong Kong, 04 Apr 2012