An archaistic carved bamboo hu vase, 18th century

An archaistic carved bamboo hu vase, 18th century

of flattened form with twin sectional stylised dragon handles to the shoulder, the body and shoulder carved in relief with bands of geometric dragon motifs and c-scrolls, the flaring foot with a border of lappets, the interior with copper liner -- 9½in. (24cm.) high, wood stand, Japanese wood box. Est. £10,000 - £15,000 - Price Realised £49,250

Note: Compare with another two archaistic bamboo vases of the same date in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the exhibition, Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise, 2002, illustrated in the catalogue, fig. v-37; and the other in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Palace Museum Collection of Elite Carvings, Forbidden City Publishing House, 2002, pl.57.

Christie's. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art & Textiles. 15 May 2009. London, South Kensington www.christies.com