Lot 248. A very rare clair-de-lune-glazed jar, zun, Kangxi six character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1662-1722); 3½ in. (9 cm.) high. Estimate $20,000 - $30,000. Price Realized: $122,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2008.

Of broad pear shape, applied with a pair of small 'handles' in the form of stylized, fanciful auspicious creatures, covered inside and out with a pale sky-blue glaze shading to a slightly darker tone on the rim, wood stand.

Note : Not only the shape of this vase but the highly unusual shape of the 'handles' appear to be very rare. However, a white-glazed example, also with Kangxi mark, is illustrated in Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1998, no. 231.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 17 September 2008. New York, Rockefeller Plaza