A RARE BLUE AND WHITE DISH FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD, CIRCA 1590

the rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to a widely flaring rim, painted to the interior with a medallion enclosing a pair of lions beneath large blossoming boughs, encircled in the well by peaches and insects, below the rim with repeated pavilion and monastery design, the exterior with stylized foliage,  Japanese wood box

This rare dish is in very good condition with the exception of minor firing imperfections including iron spots, light fritting at the rim, some burst glaze bubbles and blisters to the interior, scattered pinhole-sized burst glaxe bubbles to the exterior, adhered kiln grit to the interior and footring, a slight warp to the body and minor glaze scratches.
"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."

A very similar dish is illustrated in Du Tage a la Mer de Chine, Une Epopee Portugaise, Paris, 1922, pl. 41; and another two examples were sold in these rooms, 8th November 2006, lot 39, and 7th November 2007, lot 318. A jar decorated with a similar design, which also bears the double-headed eagle arms of the Augustinians, is included in The Porcelain Route, Lisbon, 1988, cat. no. 12, where it is noted that the jar was probably ordered by the Augustinians for their monastery in Macao, which was founded in 1589.