Pear-shaped blue-and-white porcelain vase.[Photo/China Daily]

A pear-shaped blue-and-white porcelain vase of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) will highlight China Guardian Auctions' upcoming sales from March 26 to 28 in Beijing.

The Yuhuchun vase was produced by the official kilns during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng. It features a red dragon, which represents imperial power, against a background of clusters of flowers and plants.

Qing porcelain carried forward the technical traditions and artistic styles of the previous Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), while also infusing the aesthetic taste of ruling Manchus.

China Guardian's "quarterly auctions" will sell Chinese paintings, porcelains, ancient books and classical furniture articles, and the upcoming sales before the major spring auction are often viewed as a barometer of the mainland's art market of the year.