A BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' DISH ZHIYUANTANG ZHI MARK, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the shallow rounded sides rising from a short foot to an everted rim, the interior vividly painted in cobalt-blue with a five-clawed dragon writhing amidst flames and cloud swirls, within a double-line border repeated at the rim, the exterior similarly decorated with a pair of ferocious dragons in mutual pursuit striding amidst cloud swirls, the base inscribed with a four-character hallmark Zhiyuantang zhi within a double-square

There is a small kiln grit to the double-circle border of the interior medallion, measuring approx. 0.2 by 0.5 cm. The base also has an approx. 0.3 cm fine underglazed firing crack to the top right of the mark. Apart from some minor surface wear, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

Zhiyuan Tang is recorded by Gerald Davison, The New & Revised Handbook of Marks on Chinese Ceramics, Sparkford, 2010, no. 1112, who translates it as 'Hall of Extended Remoteness', pinpointing it as a hall mark used in the Qianlong period.