A RARE AND OUTSTANDING POLYCHROME LACQUER LOBED 'DRAGON' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI |

the rounded sides divided into six lobes, supported on a straight foot of corresponding shape, intricately carved through multiple layers of cinnabar-red lacquer, depicting on the interior a ferocious four-clawed dragon vivaciously writhing amongst clouds in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', the fierce creature detailed with wide open jaws revealing sharp fangs, a sinuous scaly body and powerful limbs, all reserved on a green lacquer ground of scrolling clouds, the lobed well divided into six cartouches variously enclosing leafy floral sprays alternating with fruiting peaches against an ochre ground, similarly decorated to the exterior with further panels of floral sprays, the foot encircled by a key-fret border, inscribed and gilt to the red-lacquered base with a vertical six-character reign mark

Collection of Hélène Lelianoff, acquired in the 1940s.
Christie’s New York, 16th/17th September 2010, lot 1255.

The dish is in overall good condition. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks to the surface, and flaking to the lacquer, especially the footrim, where there is also small bruises. Other general surface wear and scratching.
"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."

Defined by the precise and intricate execution of dense designs, lacquer wares of the late Ming dynasty demonstrate a divergence in style from earlier wares carved with rounded outlines. The meticulous execution of late Ming dynasty craftsmen allowed them to distinctly and sharply accentuate the edges with no signs of polishing. In addition, the marks of Wanli lacquer wares are characteristic of its era; often including a cyclical date, a six-character Da Ming Wanli nian zhi reign mark such as the current one is much less commonly seen. Prolific in variety, Wanli lacquer production predominantly featured elaborate and intricate polychrome designs. As seen on the interior of the current dish, craftsmen masterfully carved through the thick layers of cinnabar lacquer to the green ground to create a sense of depth and effectively further highlight the vigour of the design.

For a Wanli reign-marked polychrome lacquer box and cover from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, carved with a pair of dragons similarly delineated to the current dragon, the design interspersed with the same cloud scroll design, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 173.