A rare relief-decorated celadon-glazed baluster vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate $10,000 – $15,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The high shouldered jar is decorated in relief with a multitude of chilong dragons and phoenix, their sinuous bodies highly stylized with raised bosses terminating in curled tendrils. The short slightly flared neck rises to a lipped rim encircled by a wan emblem border. The waisted base is decorated with a further border of overlapping lotus panels. The glaze is of a rich olive-green tone pooling in the recesses to highlight the decoration. 10 ¼ in. (26 cm.) high

Note: Vases of this form and decoration are extremely rare and this appears to be one of only two known examples. The other example was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1356.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza