Lot 876. An underglaze-blue and copper-red 'dragon' vase,  Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Height 17 5/8  in., 44.8 cm. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Lot sold 35,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of baluster form, rising from a narrow spreading foot to sweep into broad rounded shoulders before tapering into a waisted cylindrical neck, the shoulders painted with two ferocious coiled dragons, each rising above turbulent waves amidst flames chasing a 'flaming pearl', all above a border of further swirling waves and rockwork, the neck with ruyi head lappets and beribboned auspicious emblems, the base with an apocryphal Chenghua mark within a double circle.

Provenance: Luis Alegria Lda, Porto, 2017.

Note: The vase's sweeping voluminous form is emphasized by the dynamic painting of sinuous coiled dragon thrashing amidst waves and further swirls of water. Combined with the dragon's piercing eyes and mouth wide open to reveal sharp fangs, the vase projects an image of power and strength. 

Sotheby's.  Important Chinese Art, New York, 11 september 2019