Lot 166. A rock crystal 'Kuilong' vase and cover, Qianlong seal mark and period (1736-1795). Height 4 1/4  in., 10.8 cm. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 USD. Sold 25,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

of hu form, the body carved with opposing kuilong medallions and upward flying bats, the neck carved with stylized shou characters and elephant-head handles, the design of kuilong and bats repeated on the domed cover, surmounted by a ring finial, the base with a wheel-cut four-character seal mark Qianlong nian zhi, the transparent crystal with some minor inclusions. 

Note: A rock crystal water vessel carved with a band of kuilong, with a similar wheel-cut mark, and possibly related to the present lot, is illustrated in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, The Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Catalogue, 1986, no. 93, where it is stated that such pieces represent the more refined side of the Qianlong Emperor's character. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York | 17 sept. 2013