A RARE BLUE AND WHITE INGOT-SHAPED 'DRAGON' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

powerfully painted in vivid shades of cobalt blue, the domed cover painted with a pair of confronting five-clawed dragons writhing amongst flames and cloud scrolls contesting a flaming pearl, the rounded sides of both the box and cover similarly decorated with further dragons striding amongst clouds, encircled at the rims with chevron bands, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 695.
Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), and thence by descent in the family.

The box and cover are in overall good condition with characteristic firing imperfections, including several bodylines and firing cracks. There is a small approx. 0.7 cm infill and an approx. 7 cm section of overspray to the flange of the box. There is also an approx. 7 cm hairline crack extending from the rim of the cover, partially concealed with overspray on the interior.
"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."

The form of the present box, modelled after ingots, is highly unusual. The production of wares of this shape began in the Jiajing period (1522-1566) and continued in the Wanli reign (1573-1620), but extant examples are relatively rare.

See a closely related covered box, in the Musée Guimet, Paris, illustrated in Daisy Lion-Goldschmidt, Ming Porcelain, Fribourg, 1978, pl. 213; one in the Baur Collection, published in John Ayers, The Baur Collection. Chinese Ceramics, vol. 2, Geneva, 1969, pl. A187; another included in the China Institute in America Exhibition of Chinese Art from the Newark Museum, China Institute in America, New York, 1980, cat. no. 26. See also an example sold in our London rooms, 12th May 2010, lot 12 and another at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2007, lot 1458.