Lot 3029. A fine and unusual clair-de-lune glazed vase with incised dragons and bats, mark and period of Kangxi (1662-1722); 32.5 cm., 12 7/8 in. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 HKD. Lot Sold 2,540,000. Photo Sotheby's

deftly potted with curved sides rising to an angular shoulder, surmounted by a waisted neck and everted rim, the body incised with bats in flight alternating with stylised dragon roundels, all below a similarly incised frieze of bats flying amidst scrolling clouds at the shoulder, applied overall with a lustrous clair-de-lune glaze extending to the interior and base, draining to white at the mouthrim, the recessed base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double-circle.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 april 2011