A FINE AND RARE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' SAUCER DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF ZHENGDE

painted in varying pale tones of underglaze-blue, the exterior with a pair of scaly five-clawed dragons each in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' and divided by cloud scrolls, the interior with three trailing cloud motifs within a double line medallion and a classic scroll border at the rim, the base inscribed with the six-character mark in underglaze-blue

The J.M. Hu Family Collection.
Sotheby's New York, 4th June 1985, lot 5.

The overall condition is very good, with an iron spot and some minor surface scratches to the interior, possibly to remove some kiln grits. The underglaze blue on the exterior is a bit smudgy.
"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 Zhengde dish of similar design was illustrated in the Blue and White Wares of the Ming Dynasty, National Palace Museum, Taipei, Book IV, pl. 11.

For the inspiration of this form and design, see the prototype from the reigns of Hongwu and Yongle, illustrated together in Geng Baochang, Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Beijing, 1993, figs. 6 and 7; and another Yongle dish was sold in these rooms, 5th November 1997, lot 1366.  Other dishes of this type, but from the reigns of  Xuande, are illustrated in Ming and Ch'ing Porcelain from the T.Y. Chao Family Foundation, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1978, cat. no. 15 and sold in these rooms, 1st November 1999, lot 313; and another two examples, one with a straight instead of a flared rim, in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics, London, 2001, pls. 4:34,35.  

See another related Xuande dish with the same design, but with two phoenix on the exterior, in the National Palace Museum, Tapei, illustrated in the Special Exhibition of Selected Hsuan-Te Imperial Porcelains of the Ming Dynasty, Taipei, 1998, cat. no. 191.  A Hongzhi example of this dish is illustrated in Sir Harry Garner, Oriental Blue and White, 1973, pl. 39C and D.