Lot 3998.  A fine and rare blue and white barrel-form jar, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm.) high. Estimate 1,200,000 - HKD 1,800,000. Price realised HKD 3,020,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012.

The jar is sturdily potted in barrel shape with a flat base and curved sides tapering at the mouth and foot rims. It is painted to the exterior in vibrant tones of blue with alternating lotus and chrysanthemum blooms borne on undulating leafy stems, between a ring of ruyi-heads and elaborate trefoil band, below a band of stylised crested and breaking waves near the mouth rim, all with a 'heaping and piling' effect, lacquer cover, Japanese wood box.

Note: Jars of this shape decorated in blue and white are extremely rare. They are more commonly found in monochrome glazes, usually celadon. A closely-related celadon-glazed example of this form was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1375. A jar of identical design was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 May 2008, lot 1581.

The decoration on the current jar is a typical design derived from the Ming Dynasty and incorporated into the Qing period. From the classic floral meander, to the bands of lappets and crashing waves to the rim.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale,  Hong Kong, 30 May 2012