Lot 20. A pair of iron-red 'Dragon' cups, Xianfeng marks and period (1851-1861). Diameter 2 3/8 in., 6 cm. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 USD. Lot sold 25,000 USD. Photo Sotheby's

the steep sides rising to a slightly flared rim, each painted on the exterior with two striding five-clawed dragons above cresting waves, all between underglaze blue double-line borders at the rim and on the foot, six-character mark in underglaze blue. 

Property from the Estate of William and Jennifer Shaw.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 11 september 2012