Lot 479. A Famille-Rose 'Dragon' wall vase, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong-Jiaqing Period (1736-1820). Height 7 3/8 in., 18.7 cm. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Lot sold 81,250 USD. Photo Sotheby's.

of flat-backed lobed baluster form rising to a flaring neck, brightly enameled to the front face with two confronting gilt-decorated dragons contesting a 'flaming pearl' above waves, and separated by a five-character couplet reading wu yuan ying xiao ri, the neck decorated with three bats in flight, all amongst cloud scrolls, the interior and base turquoise. 

Note: The five-character couplet reading wu yuan ying xiao ri, literally translated as the five clouds welcome the rising sun, is a reference to the New Year ceremonies in the Imperial Court.

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 18 MARS 2014 - 19 MARS 2014. NEW YORK