Lot 150. A powder-blue-ground gilt-decorated 'dragons' bottle vase, Guangxu six-character mark and of the period (1875-1908); 37.5cm (14 3/4in) high. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€5,900 - 9,400). Photo: Bonhams.

The globular body supported on a tall straight foot, decorated in gilt with two five-clawed dragons striding in mutual pursuit of the flaming pearl amidst billowing clouds and scrolling flames above crashing waves, raising to a slightly waisted neck scattered with swastika, swooping bats and stylised shou roundels beneath a ruyi band at the rim, the sloping shoulder encircled with a band of dense lotus scroll alternating with shou characters, all reserved on a powder-blue ground.  

Provenance: a European private collection, and thence by descent.

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