A RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL POLYCHROME LACQUER 'DRAGON' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING |

of lobed quatrefoil form, the shallow rounded sides rising from a tapered foot of corresponding form, intricately carved in various levels of relief revealing multiple layers of red, yellow and green lacquer, the interior depicting a pair of descending five-clawed dragons, their scaly bodies terminating in muscular limbs and powerful claws, each with a claw extended reaching for a sheng instrument above an endless knot, all amidst scrolling clouds below a pair of long-tailed birds, encircled by alternating panels of swooping phoenix and leafy floral sprays, the exterior similarly decorated with shaped panels enclosing carp leaping in tumultuous waves, all above a chevron band, the base lacquered black, incised and gilt with a vertical six-character reign mark

The dish is in good overall condition, with just typical age cracks, particularly on the underside, as visible in the catalogue photo. There is other general surface wear and scratches, and rubbing to the footrim, with minor areas of retouching.
"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."

Lacquer production by the Jiajing period encompassed a far-reaching range but polychrome lacquer in particular saw a rise in popularity. The pursuit of innovative forms and designs can be seen in the ever-increasing opulent and elaborate compositions. The Jiajing Emperor's fervent fascination with longevity and auspiciousness, in particular, drew him to commission artefacts brimming with Daoist imagery and promising the attainment of immortality and exaltation. The current dish is particularly well carved with a pair of dragons striding ferociously below a pair of birds in flight. For closely related examples of Jiajing reign-marked polychrome lacquerware with similar treatment of the dragons, see an ingot-shaped tray from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, carved with a pair of similarly carved dragons depicted descending, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 122. Compare also the confronting dragons on a Jiajing oval dish sold in these rooms, 19th November 1984, lot 118, from the Dr Ip Yee collection, and again at Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd December 2008, lot 2127, from the Lee family collection.