A large blue and white 'dragon' dish mark and period of Jiajing

well potted with shallow curved sides resting on a tapered foot, painted in vivid tones of cobalt-blue to the interior with a central medallion containing a scaly five-clawed dragon writhing against a dense lingzhi fungus meander, within a double-line border repeated at the rim, the exterior similarly decorated with four dragons amid cloud scrolls separated by lingzhi sprigs, all between double line borders, the six-character mark inscribed in a single line below the rim, the base unglazed, Japanese wood box (2)

Christie's Tokyo, 16/17^th February 1980, lot 793.

The footring and base have been ground to remove/conceal firing impurities. There is general expected surface scratching and wear to the glaze on the interior from use. There are characteristic burst air bubbles and ironspots, as well as some fritting to the rim. Otherwise the dish 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.
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.

A similar dish is illustrated in the Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 705; another is included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (II), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 118; and a third example was sold in these rooms, 8th May 1981, lot 261.