Lot 97. A rare and large blue and white twin-handled ‘dragon’ vase, hu, 18th-19th century. 21 ½ in. (54.6 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000. Price realised GBP 25,000. © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The vase is decorated with two tubular handles to the neck above concentric ribs to the shoulder. The body is finely decorated in varying shades of cobalt blue with nine writhing four-clawed dragons amongst dense tumultuous waves.

Note: A large bottle vase dating to the Jiaqing-Daoguang period (1796-1820) with a very similar design of nine dragons amongst waves was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2006, lot 1542. 

A fine large blue and white 'nine dragons' bottle vase, Jiaqing-Daoguang period (1796-1850). 25 1/4 in. (64 cm.) high. Sold for 300,000 HKD at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2006, lot 1542. © Christies Images Ltd 2006

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 7 November 2017, London