Lot 477. An unusual enameled and gilt-decorated circular 'Dragon' box and cover, Qing dynasty, Guangxu mark and period (1875-1908). Diameter 11 1/2  in., 29.2 cm. Estimate 25,000 — 35,000 USD. Lot sold 59,375 USD. Photo: Sotheby's 2014.

painted in blue, yellow, black, iron-red and gilt enamels, the domed cover with two writhing dragons chasing the 'flaming pearl' amidst swirling clouds within a key-fret border, repeated on the rim of the box, above a band of striding dragons, six-character mark in iron-red (2).

Note: The cloud decoration on this box and cover is painted with blue enamels. This is unusual because it is a much more difficult process compared to the often seen underglaze blue. Blue enamel is extremely difficult to fire correctly. The decoration would have been applied in thick, deep cobalt blue, transparent enamel. In this case, the artist has successfully mastered the technique as the blue enamels are vibrant and controlled

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 18 MARS 2014 - 19 MARS 2014. NEW YORK