Lot 315. A fine iron-red, famille rose and gilt-decorated tripod censer, Jiaqing six-character seal mark in iron-red and of the period (1796-1820); 14 ¼ in. (36.2 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000. Price realised GBP 60,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

The censer is finely decorated to each side with a pair of confronting five-clawed dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl amongst bats and clouds. A bat and cloud design further embellishes the twin pierced upright handles, recessed neck and cabriole legs. The rim, sides of the handles and base of the feet are decorated with classic S-scrolls. The six-character mark is in a straight line to the rim. The recessed ring to the base is decorated in pink enamels with bats and clouds encircling a central iron-red 'bat and cloud' design. The interior is enamelled turquoise.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 14 May 2019