A ZHANGZHOU POLYCHROME 'LUOHAN' DISH MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to an everted flaring rim, the interior with a central medallion freely painted in turquoise and green with two luohans taming a dragon and a tiger respectively, the cavetto with two striding dragons in pursuit of 'flaming pearls' divided by a pagoda issuing from rockwork, all beneath an iron-red border of stylized waves at the rim

The dish is in very good condition with the exception of a 5mm., hairline firing rim crack, a 4mm., shallow rim chip, light and minor rubbing to the iron-red and black decoration and light 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."

Compare two dishes in the Seikado Bunko Art Museum, Swatow Wares from the Seikado Collection, Tokyo, 1997, pls 25 and 52; and another sold in our Olympia rooms, 10^th June 2004, lot 600.