a blue and white 'dragon' dish Wanli Mark and Period

with shallow rounded sides and flared rim, the well of the interior  painted in bright cobalt-blue with a large central medallion of two five-clawed dragons in mutual pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' among clouds and flames, the motif repeated on the cavetto, the exterior painted with scrolling lotus, all above a slightly tapered foot, six-character mark within a double-circle to the base

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1998, lot 741.

The dish is in good overall condition with a 1.5 inch firing flaw to the exterior side, with smaller firing flaws on the base. One minor frit to the mouth rim. Very tiny kiln grit to interior.
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.

Wanli mark and period 'Dragon' dishes of this design are known in a variety of sizes. Compare a larger dish in the Idemtisu Museum of Arts, Tokyo, illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, 1987, pl. 725, sold in these rooms, 4th June 1982, lot 188; and a smaller one from the Hay and Riesco collections, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Ming Blue and White Porcelain, London, 1946, cat.no. 78, sold in our London rooms, 25th June 1946, lot 50, and again 23rd June 1970, lot 61.