A FINE CELADON-GLAZED 'DRAGON' MEIPING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the elegantly potted body rising from a gently spreading foot to a broad rounded shoulder and short waisted narrow neck, slip-decorated around the exterior with two large ferocious and scaly four-clawed dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl, all amidst ruyi-head cloud and fire scrolls, covered overall with a pale bluish-green celadon glaze thinning to a whitish tone on the raised decoration, the interior glazed white

The vase is in good overall condition. There is very light overall scratching and rubbing to the glaze.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Celadon-glazed meiping decorated with two four-clawed dragons, such as the present piece, are extremely rare and more common are vases carved with three and five-clawed dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl.  For example see a celadon-glazed meiping, with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, finely carved with one three-clawed and two five-clawed dragons, from the collection of Albert Keller and subsequently in the Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong, from the Jingguantang collection, included in the exhibition Splendour of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1992, cat. no. 210; and another vase decorated with five three-clawed dragons, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th November 1997, lot 1356.

The use of four-clawed dragons for decoration was generally preserved for princes and certain high ranking officials, hence the present vase may have been specially commissioned by an official of considerable status.