Lot 3426. A wucai 'dragon and phoenix' three-tiered box, Kangxi six-character mark within double circles and of the period (1662-1722); 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 180,000 - HKD 200,000. Price Realized HKD 400,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The box is comprised of a circular cover and two circular trays. The cover is enamelled on the surface with a descending dragon and an ascending phoenix amidst multi-coloured clouds. The sides of the cover and two trays are similarly decorated with a phoenix in flight behind a dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The upper tray is inscribed on the interior in red with the character tian, 'Heaven'. The bottom tray is inscribed on the interior in red with the character di, 'Earth', and on the base with the Kangxi reign mark in underglaze blue? wood stand, box.

Provenance: Purchased in London, circa 1990s.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 28 May 2014