A PAIR OF UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND IRON-RED 'DRAGON' DISHES' SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

each well-potted and finely painted in the interior centre with a writhing iron-red five-clawed dragon reserved on an underglaze blue wave ground, the exterior similarly decorated with nine iron-red dragons in various poses reserved on an underglazed blue wave ground, the base inscribed with in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Formerly in a Japanese Collection.

Apart from some light wear to the iron-red surface and a few minor dirty pin-pricks along the rim, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

Qianlong dishes of this pattern were included in the exhibitions Ch'ing Porcelain from the Wah Kwong Collection, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1973, cat.no. 70, and The Arts of the Ch'ing Dynasty, Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1964, cat.no. 235. Compare also a similar pair of dishes sold in these rooms, 7th May 2002, lot 602; and another, sold in these rooms, 27th October 1992, lot 83 and again, 25th April 2004, lot 311.