A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE ‘DRAGON’ BOWL JIAJING MARK AND PERIOD

the deep rounded sides rising from a tapered foot to a flared rim, boldly painted to the exterior with two five-clawed dragons striding amongst scrolling lotuses above a lappet band, the interior decorated with a central medallion enclosing a dragon writhing amongst further lotus scrolls, inscribed to the base with a six-character reign mark

The bowl is in very good condition with the exception of glaze firing imperfections including scattered pin-holes, iron-spots, uneven glaze run to the interior and glaze scratches. The glaze with a blue tinge.
"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."

A Jiajing mark and period bowl of this type is illustrated in John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics. The Koger Collection, London, 1985, pl. 57; another was sold at Christie’s New York in 1990, twice at Christie’s Hong Kong in 1991 and 1995, and most recently at Christie’s London, 11th July 2006, lot 117; and a slightly larger one was sold at Christie’s London, 10th June 1996, lot 83.

Bowls of similar form and size are also known painted with phoenix among a floral scroll, such as one in the Museum Pusat, Jakarta, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics. The World’s Great Collections, vol. 3, Tokyo, 1982, pl. 202; and another sold in these rooms, 15th July 1981, lot 83.