Lot 3662. A rare celadon jade segmented dragon ornament, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 76.2 by 54.4 cm., 30 by 21 3/8  in. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 HKD. Lot sold 325,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.

the segmented jade plaques masterfully fixed on a blue silk ground against a plywood board, depicting a five-clawed dragon writhing sinuously below ruyi-shaped clouds and chasing a flaming pearl, its fierce expression framed by its long curved whiskers, its scales meticulously detailed with fine incisions, the stone of an even pale greenish-white colour with some areas of calcification, the silk background decorated with evenly spread floral designs, framed.

Provenance: Collection of Marcello Sardi (1870-1956).

Sotheby’s. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 october 2014