Lot 233. A straw-glazed amphora, Tang dynasty (618-907); 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 3,000 - USD 5,000. Price realised USD 3,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008  

The high shoulder of the baluster body applied with a pair of double- strap handles applied with bosses and terminating in dragon heads that bite the rim of the cup-shaped mouth, covered with a finely crackled glaze of slightly olive tone that falls in an irregular line on the lower body exposing the fine-grained ware partially burnt to a pale russet in the firing. 

Provenance: Christie's, London, 23 July 1973, lot 48.