A PAIR OF RARE AND LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' DISHES KANGXI MARKS AND PERIOD

each with shallow rounded sides rising to a flared rim from a short, tapered foot, the interior with a large central medallion of two fierce five-clawed dragons in mutual pursuit of 'flaming pearls' among stylized clouds and flames, the motif repeated on the cavetto, the exterior similarly decorated, all reserved on a ground of rich cobalt blue, the base with a six-character mark within a double-circle in underglaze blue (2)

Collection of Edward Collings Knight, Sr. (1813-1892), Philadelphia.
Acquired in Boston in the 1940s-60s, and thence by descent.

One dish with light abrasion to the rim from metal wall mounts, with light staining; one polished section on the rim; and one flake chip to the inside of the footring measuring approximately 1 3/4 inch in length. The second dish with two shallow chips to the rim, and approximately 1 3/8 inch of fritting to the rim. Both dishes with scattered burst glaze bubbles to the rim and appropriate wear to the surface. The cobalt blue particularly vibrant on both dishes.
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.

In this large size painted with a dragon motif, there appear to be two types of Kangxi period imperial dishes, those with a single centralized dragon of which many are applied with yellow or green enamel, including one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Qingdai yuyao ciqi, vol.1, Beijing, pp. 138-141, pl. 36, and the rarer of the two, depicting contesting dragons as in the present examples. Compare a similar dish from the Collection of Alfred Guntermann, sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2014, lot 854.

The present dishes bear the signature of E.C. Knight, a highly successful entrepreneur who made his fortune in sugar refineries and in the transportation industry. Born in New Jersey, he spent most of his adult life in Philadelphia where his philanthropy and civic mindedness have left an enduring mark.