AN UNUSUAL SMALL 'DRAGON' WINE CUP MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

well-potted with steep sides and slightly flared at the rim rising from a short foot rim, the exterior painted with iron-red enamel depicting two 'five-clawed' dragons amongst clouds, all between double-lines both at the lip and at the base, the countersunk base with the underglaze-blue six-character mark within a double-square

The overall condition is good except for a minor warping at the rim of the cup. There are some minor scratches on the iron-red enamel.
"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."

Cups of this form with this design are quite rare and are related to similar examples dating to the Chenghua period.  Chenghua reconstructed shard wine cups with similar forms and motifs in overglaze green and yellow enamels, are illustrated in Yuan's and Ming's Imperial Porcelains Unearthed from Jingdezhen, Beijing, 1999, pl. 352.  Later examples are quite common.  A similar cup from the Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, was sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2008, Lot 2576.