A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'BATS AND SHOU' DISHES QIANLONG SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD

each painted in vibrant tones of cobalt-blue to the interior with a central shou roundel, surrounded by five bats each grasping a beribboned wan symbol, bordered by a band of pendent ruyi heads below the rim, the exterior with leafy lotus sprays divided by bats suspending beribboned chimes, the base with a six-character seal mark in underglaze blue (2)

Both dishes in good condition.
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.

The theme of bats, and the wufu motif in particular, gained currency as a subject matter on porcelain the 18th century under emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong. This pair of dishes combine the auspicious wufu theme with the shou character to express the wish 'May you be granted longevity and the Five Blessings.' The formal arrangement of bats, ribbons, and shou character in the central medallion of each dish is replicated on other blue and white dishes of the period, such as the one sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 15th May 1990, lot 150, which substitutes bajixiang for the bats.