Lot 3541. A large wucai jar and cover, Shunzhi period (1644-1661). Estimate $15,000 – $18,000. Price Realized $68,750. Photo Christie’s Image Ltd 2015 

The broad, high-shouldered jar is vibrantly decorated with two dragons, one yellow and one green, writhing above waves in pursuit of a pearl amidst flames. The cover is decorated with three Buddhist emblems enclosed by rocks and waves. The flat base is unglazed. 14 ¾ in. (37.4 cm.) high 

Provenance: Frank Caro & Co., New York, 1988.
Collection of Julia and John Curtis.

Notes: For a jar with similar decoration, lacking its cover, see Maria António Pinto de Matos and Jean-Paul Desroches in Chinese Export Porcelain from the Museum from the Museum of Anastácio Gonçalves, Lisbon, 1996, p. 161, no. 80.

CHRISTIE’S. AN ERA OF INSPIRATION: 17TH-CENTURY CHINESE PORCELAINS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JULIA AND JOHN CURTIS, 16 March 2015,New York, Rockefeller Plaza