Lot 121. A large blue and white 'Dragon' bottle vase, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 43cm., 17in. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 GBP. Lot sold 12,500 GBP. © Sotheby's

the pear-shaped body rising from a short straight foot to a tall cylindrical neck, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with a ferocious scaly dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl, all amidst ruyi-head cloud and fire scrolls.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 12 May 2010.