A BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

of well potted rectangular form with indented corners resting on a short foot, the cover with a rectangular panel enclosing two five-clawed dragons contesting a 'flaming pearl' amid cloud swirls and above rolling waves crashing against rockwork, surrounded by lotus blooms on meandering leafy stems above a keyfret band, the box decorated with a similar scrolling lotus meander below a keyfret band, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double rectangle  

To the box, there is a hairline crack down from the rim, visible approx 5cm from the interior, and approx 5.4cm from the exterior. There is a chip to the interior of the rim, with two very short associated hairline cracks. The chip has been filled in and applied with gold paint, approx 3.5 by 1.5cm There are scattered burst air bubbles and ironspots throughout, as visible in the catalogue. To the base, there are two pieces of kiln grit, the larger of which is approx 0.7 by 0.6cm. Otherwise the piece is 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. 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."

A similar, but slightly smaller box with two dragons in a quatrefoil panel on a cash diaper ground is in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, and is illustrated in the Catalogue of a Special Exhibition of Dragon-motif Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983, cat.no. 37.  Another similar box from the Falk Collection was sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2001, lot 144 and was later resold in these rooms 10th April 2006, lot 1675.