A FINE AND RARE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' TAZZA MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

of circular form with shallow slightly rounded sides supported on a tall splayed hollow foot, painted around the sides with a frieze of interlinked foliate strapwork within line borders, the foot superbly decorated in shaded tones of cobalt blue with a five-clawed dragon depicted striding in pursuit of the flaming pearl above waves crashing on jagged rockwork, the interior of the stem inscribed with a horizontal six-character reign mark

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 16th May 1989, lot 249.

The overall condition is excellent, except for occasional light surface scratches and wear.
"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."

Blue and white tazza of this powerful auspicious design, painted with a five-clawed dragon emblematic of the emperor, are frequently found in the Kangxi and Qianlong period, but it is extremely rare to find one with a Yongzheng reign mark. This appears to be the only recorded example. 

For Kangxi reign-marked examples, see the tazza in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, vol. 1, 1980, pl. 15, and an example offered in these rooms, 2nd May 1995, lot 60. For Qianlong reign-marked examples, see one illustrated in Beauty of Ceramics, vol.3: Blue and White Porcelain, Taipei, 1993, pl. 153, and an example sold in our New York rooms, 22nd March 1999, lot 395.