FIVE YELLOW-GROUND GREEN AND AUBERGINE-ENAMEL 'DRAGON' DISHES QIANLONG SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD

each finely incised on the interior with a green and an aubergine dragon contesting a 'flaming pearl', their sinuous scaly bodies writhing among flames within a double-line border, the exterior incised with four flying cranes and clouds enameled in green, all reserved against a rich egg-yolk yellow ground, the bases inscribed in aubergine enamel with six-character seal marks, fitted box (6)

Nathan Bentz, Santa Barbara, California, acquired prior to 1940.
Collection of Edward H. Bennett (1874-1954), and thence by descent.

One in perfect condition. One with an 8.5 cm crack across the center. One with four rim cracks, the longest measuring 2.7 cm. One with three rim cracks, the longest measuring 2.7 cm. One with a section of the rim measuring approximately 14.5 cm across the rim out and re-stuck, with small associated enamel flakes and two infills at the rim; one star crack to the center and a hairline star crack 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.