An aubergine glass 'dragon' cup. Wheel-cut mark and period of Qianlong. photo courtesy Sotheby's

the slightly tapering cylindrical body rising from a recessed base to an everted lipped rim, carved in low relief around the exterior with two ferocious scaly dragons in mutual pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', all amidst cloud scrolls and above a wave band at the base, the base cut with a four-character mark, the clear glass of rich aubergine tone; 8.4 cm., 3 1/4 in. Estimate 150,000—200,000 HKD. Lot Sold 100,000 HKD

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 08 Oct 10, Hong Kong www.sothebys.com