Lot 1085. A large greenish-grey jade dragon seal, Qing dynasty (1644-1911); 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) across. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 434,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2010.

The top carved with the entwined bodies of two addorsed five-clawed dragons above a channel pierced from both sides, the base with four- character inscription which appears to read, Tianzi xin bao, and may be translated as 'Trust Treasure of the Son of Heaven'.

Provenance: In a French Family Estate since the early 1900s.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections. 26 March 2010, New York, Rockefeller Plaza.