A PAIR OF DOUCAI 'MAGPIE AND PRUNUS BLOSSOM' DISHES MARKS AND PERIOD OF KANGXI

each painted on the interior with a central medallion containing two long-tailed magpies, one perched upon a branch of flowering prunus issuing from rockwork, beneath the other bird in flight amongst wispy clouds, the exterior with a continuous frieze of blossoming prunus branches, bamboo and peony, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double-circle

Christie's Hong Kong, 26th September 1989, lot 726.

To one, there are three small areas of fritting, the largest of approx 1.1 by 0.1cm. To the interior, there is a short firing line under the glaze to the LHS of the lower bird, of approx 0.2cm. There is a short firing glaze gap on the base of approx 0.7cm. To the other dish, there are three small shallow flakes as a result of fritting, the largest approx 0.2 by 0.1cm. There are three ironspots to the interior. There are five short firing glaze gaps on the base, the largest approx 0.7 by 0.1cm. To both dishes, there are glaze impurities and firing flaws to the foot. Otherwise both are in good condition and are very matched as a pair.
"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 similar pair of dishes sold in these rooms, 11th April 2008, lot 2906.  See another dish of this design and form in this sale, lot 2632.