A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' DISHES QIANLONG SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD |

each with shallow rounded sides resting on a gently tapering foot, the exterior painted with nine dragons in various poses, one frontal and eight in profile, all against cresting waves and below a band of interlocking coins, the interior painted with a medallion enclosing a sinuous scaly dragon against further waves, the base with a six-character seal mark in underglaze blue (2)

Frank Crane, The Hundred Antiques, Toronto, 1960s-1980s, and thence by descent. 

Both dishes are in overall good condition with expected wear and minor imperfections consistent with age and use. One dish with small a L-form firing tear to the base.
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.

For a mid-late 15th century Ming dynasty prototype of this design, see one illustrated in Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, New York, 1981, p. 77. Compare one sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 16th November 1988, lot 197; and a pair sold at Christie's London, 14th November 2003, lot 187. Dragons on dishes of this type are also frequently found enameled in iron red, see a pair from the E. T. Chow Collection sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 534, and another illustrated in George J. Lee, Far Eastern Art in the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, 1970, pl. 383.