The present jar appears to be unique in that it is slightly smaller than the standard size and does not have formal borders at the neck and shoulder. Compare with three larger jars with similar four-clawed dragons. The first in the Tokyo National Museum, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collection, Kodansha Series, vol. 1, col. pl. 18, the dragon is depicted over similar waves with an additional border of waves at the neck; one illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, pl. 142 with lotus lappets around the base and a peony scroll around the shoulder; the third sold in Hong Kong 26 October 1993, lot 36 similar to the last but with a lotus meander replacing the peony meander.

(US$200,000-250,000)