Lot 3022. A fine white jade tripod censer and cover, Qianlong-Jiaqing period (1736-1820); 7 5/8 in. (19.5 cm.) wide across handles. Estimate $100,000 - USD 150,000. Price realised $527,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The compressed body is raised on three lion-mask supports and carved around the sides with an archaistic band of confronted birds' heads between the pair of openwork dragon and loose ring handles. The domed cover is carved with a similar band below a circular finial carved in openwork as a coiled dragon clutching a flaming pearl. The stone is semi-translucent and there is some opaque mottling in the stone of the cover under the finial, wide across handles, wood stand, box.

Provenance: Sotheby's New York, 23 April 1987, lot 191.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 15 - 16 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza