AN IRON-RED 'DRAGON' CUP MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

finely potted with deep rounded sides rising from a tapered foot, the exterior enamelled in iron-red with five-clawed dragons writhing sinuously above a band of tumultuous green waves, the interior similarly decorated with a medallion enclosing a further dragon soaring above green waves, the foot bordered in underglaze blue with a double-line band, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle 

In overall good condition. The rim has been polished. There is a short and fine vertical firing crack to the interior wall. There are fine scratches overall.
"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."

This cup is notable for its unusual combination of underglaze-blue, iron-red and green enamel. A similarly decorated dish, with a Jiajing mark and of the period, from the Huaihaitang collection, was included in the exhibition Enlightening Elegance. Imperial Porcelain of the Mid to Late Ming, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2012, cat. no. 74. Bowls with related designs, but lacking the underglaze blue are known from the Hongzhi (1487-1505) and Zhengde reigns (1505-21); for example see a Zhengde mark and period bowl decorated with dragons, in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo, included in the exhibition In Pursuit of the Dragon, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1988, cat. no. 38.

Jiajing mark and period vessels similarly decorated with scaly five-clawed dragons include an underglaze-blue and iron-red cup, from the Huaihaitang collection; included op. cit., cat. no. 76; another sold in these rooms, 8th October 2009, lot 1617; and a bowl, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (II), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 228.