Lot 3224. A fine and very rare iron-red decorated 'Dragon' waterpot, Daoguang six-character mark in iron-red within a double square and of the period (1821-1850), 2 in. (5.2 cm.) high, box. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 250,000. Price realised HKD 200,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Delicately potted of cylindrical form rising to an incurving shoulder and a short neck, the water pot is finely painted on the exterior with a pair of iron-red striding dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, against a ground interspersed with cloud and fire scrolls, the eyes of the dragons highlighted with green enamel. 

Provenance: Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 3199.

Note: The present waterpot, with its elegantly incurving shoulder and waisted neck, is of a very rare shape and appears to be unique, with no other published example found.

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall