AN EXTREMELY RARE WHITE-ENAMEL GROUND AND IRON-RED 'DRAGON' BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

finely potted with deep rounded sides springing from a short foot, delicately painted on the exterior in iron-red with two five-clawed dragons each in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', the ferocious beasts with gaping jaws to reveal sharp fangs as they fly through flames and cloud swirls, all against an intricately incised biano-sopra-biano ground of breaking waves extending to the foot, the interior decorated with three fluttering iron-red bats, the base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue

The bowl is in very good condition overall, with only surface scratches on the interior, and a minute area of loss to the enamel above the iron-red cloud below the rim.
"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."

Compare a bowl of this similar rare design sold in these rooms, 25th April 2004, lot 228.