A WUCAI 'DRAGON' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

the shallow rounded sides resting on a short tapered foot, the interior decorated with a large medallion enclosing a pair of scaly five-clawed dragons writhing sinuously around a 'flaming pearl' in the centre amidst flames and ruyi-shaped clouds, one dragon depicted with red scales and green fins, the other with blue scales and red fins, all surrounded by two pairs of confronting dragons in mutual pursuit of 'flaming pearls' amidst stylised flames and cloud scrolls, the underside decorated with eight large lotus blooms borne on meandering leafy scrolls, all vividly picked out in bold tones of the wucai palette, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double-circle, Japanese wood box inscribed by Fujio Koyama

A private Japanese collection, prior to 1975.

The rim has extensive frittings which has been partially polished. There is an approx. 5.8 cm hairline crack to the head of one blue dragon, with an associated triangular restored area concealed by overpaint (covering an area of approx. 3.5 cm), but the actual affected area should be smaller. The rim also has two other hairline cracks, measuring approx. 6.5 and 0.6 cm, in addition to a refilled flake of approx. 0.8 cm. The dish has some typical wear and losses to the enamelled surface, with the largest glaze loss of approx. 1.8 cm long to the exterior. The unglazed foot has a shallow flake of approx. 0.7 cm.
"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."