AN UNUSUAL BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' MEIPING VASE MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY, INTERREGNUM PERIOD

sturdily potted with high rounded shoulders rising to a short waisted neck and a lipped mouthrim, freely painted in underglaze blue with a ferocious five-clawed dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', its long scaly body striding amid clouds swirls and flames, all beneath a frieze depicting two confronting phoenix flying amid lotus flowers on leafy scrolling stems below a key-fret band at the neck, the foot painted with a wide band of turbulent crashing waves

Hirano Kotoken, Osaka.

Toki zenshu, vol. 11, Tokyo, 1960, p. 17, fig. 32 right.

The overall condition is quite good. There is some fritting to the interior of the mouthrim caused by burst air bubbles, as well as characteristic small burst air bubbles and iron spots throughout, as visible in the catalogue. There are expected surface scratches to the glaze, and the exterior of the mouth rim may have been slightly worn. There is an original kiln firing line of approx 7.2 cm. to the base.
"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."