CHINA, Guangxu period, late 19th century, Gourd-shaped vase, bianhu, in porcelain and famille rose enamels, the flattened body decorated with horsemen, birds and felurs in two medallions on a coral ground decorated with lotus scrolls, peaches of longevity and auspicious characters, the shoulder enhanced by two handles in the shape of a stylized gilded dragon, ruyi heads and stylized lotus petals highlighting the opening and the top of the foot respectively. H. 24 cm Diam. 17 cm

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.