A blue and white 'dragon' jar mark and period of Jiajing

sturdily potted, the rounded sides rising to a high shoulder below a short neck with a lipped mouthrim, painted in vivid tones of pale cobalt-blue with two scaly five-clawed dragons, each in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', flying through cloud scrolls and flames, all between a band of pendant lotus petals at the shoulder and rising lappets at the foot, the neck encircled with a classic scroll, the unglazed countersunk base with a further recessed central medallion glazed white, inscribed with the six-character mark in underglaze-blue within a double circle, Japanese wood box (2)

Sotheby's London, 15th June 1982, lot 288.

Please note the incorrect inclusion of the provenance in the catalogue and that the jar was not sold at Sotheby's London. There are two chips to the mouthrim, one approx 1.6cm to the exterior which is visible from the catalogue, and the other, approx 1.1cm. There are scattered characteristic ironspots and burst bubbles throughout. There are three small circular firing faults to the exterior, the largest approximately 0.6cm. There is light expected wear to the surface, concentrated particularly to the foot. Otherwise generally in good condition overall.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It is rare to find Jiajing jars of this form and design although a very similar example with its matching cover is illustrated in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum: Blue-and-white Ware of the Ming Dynasty, Book V, Hong Kong, 1963, pl. 14.