A Wucai 'Dragon' Vase Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period

of full-bodied pear shape tapering to a narrow mouth, the body painted with two five-clawed dragons, one in iron-red glaze, the other in underglaze-blue, both in pursuit of 'flaming pearls', alternating with two descending phoenixes with wings outstretched and flowing tail feathers, all amidst a ground of floral scrolls, the shoulder with a frieze of concentric waves and florets, the reduced neck with four Buddhist Emblems among a lotus blossom and scrolling foliage ground, all above a keyfret band encircling the foot, Japanese wood box (2)

The neck has been cut down and lined at the mouthrim with a metal cap. There are minor surface scratches, expected wear to the enamel, and kiln grit to one side of the body. The edge of the base with a 3/8 inch wide chip. In overall good condition.
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.

The shortened neck suggests that this vase was originally of garlic neck-form and with a horizontal Wanli six-character mark at the mouth. For examples of a full-formed vase, see Pictoral Record of Famous East Ocean Ceramics, Matsuoka Museum of Art, 1991, pl. 94; and another in John Ayers, The Baur Collection, Geneva, 1969, pl. A203.

Similar reduced-neck vases were sold at Christie's London, 10th June 1996, lot 89; and another in these rooms, 5th May 1979, lot 95.