Lot 213. A very large powder-blue and gilt rouleau vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 76cm (29 7/8in) high. Estimate £8,000 - 12,000 (€9,400 - 14,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The vase well potted, the cylindrical body surmounted by a tall neck with galleried rim, richly gilt on a powder-blue ground with foliate and round panels enclosing a dragon pursuing a flaming pearl, flowers and a calligraphic inscription, all in reserve on a gilt ground reserved with scrollworks and lotus flowers, between a band of lappets and a floral frieze interspersed with vignettes enclosing scholar's objects.  

Provenance: an Italian private collection 

Note: Compare with a similar, albeit smaller, powder-blue glazed vase, Kangxi, decorated with gilt designs of flowers and a calligraphic inscription, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. A powder-blue vase, Kangxi, also decorated with gilt floral and calligraphic designs, was sold at Sotheby's New York, 23 March 2011, lot 669.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET