Lot 235. A 'Longquan' celadon-glazed 'dragon' jar and cover, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). Height 9  1/2  in., 24.1 cm. Estimate 12,000 — 15,000 USD. © Sotheby's 2018.

the tall ovoid body with three graduated rounded ribs encircling the upper body, applied at the shoulder in high relief with a powerful dragon, its long sinuous body coiled around the sides in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', poised with mighty paws set with outstretched talons gripped to the surface, with ferocious gaping jaws, bulbous eyes and long horns, the body carved with scale pattern and flaming mane, over a wide band overlapping upright lotus petals, all supported on a slightly tapered foot, the domed cover with undulating foliate rim surmounted by a bird-form finial, covered overak in a rich blue-green glaze, the unglazed footring and mouth rim burnt russet-brown in the firing (2).

Provenance: Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 12 sept. 2018, 10:30 AM