Lot 328. A large pair of blue and white 'Dragon' jardinières, Qing dynasty, 19th century; d. 53 cm, 20 7/8  in. Estimate 200,000 — 250,000 HKD. Lot sold 325,000 HKD (34,931 EUR). Photo: Sotheby's

each with deep rounded sides rising to a wide everted rim, the exterior painted with four ferocious dragons writhing amongst flames and scrolling clouds in pursuit of flaming pearls above tumultuous waves, below stylised angular scrolls formed from pairs of confronting kui dragons beneath a key-fret band, the flat top of the rim painted with prunus flowers against a blue wash, wood stands.

Provenance: Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), and thence by descent in the family.