A BLUE AND WHITE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' DISH WANLI MARK AND PERIOD

with shallow rounded sides supported on a straight foot, the center painted with mythical beasts in a river landscape, encircled at the rim by striding dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, the exterior with detached flowering and fruiting sprays, the base inscribed with a six-character mark within a double circle

Restored chips to an area measuring approximately 4cm along the rim, at approximately 6 o'clock, with an associated body crack, measuring 5.5 cm. Several glaze pulls to the underside and firing cracks 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."

Compare another blue and white dish of this design first sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 20th May 1980, lot 48, again in our London rooms, 16th June 1982, lot 304, and most recently in the same rooms, 7th November 2012, lot 105.