A LARGE IRON-RED 'DRAGON' FISHBOWL QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY |

of compressed ovoid form, resting on a narrow base and rising to broad shoulders and an incurved lipped rim, boldly painted with two sinuous dragons flying amidst flame wisps and clusters of clouds, each with a thorny ridged spine, pronounced antlers, long talons, snarled face, chasing a 'flaming pearl', between upright wave lappets encircling the base and a ruyi-head border at the mouth, the interior glazed white, the footring and recessed base unglazed

The fishbowl is in mostly good condition but there are scattered scratches to the glaze, chips to the foot, and minor firing imperfections (clusters of burst glaze bubbles at the well and scattered iron spots).
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.

A related iron-red and gilt jardinière of globular form with a galleried rim, attributed to the 19th century, sold at Christie's New York, 1st February 2005, lot 350. See also two underglaze-blue fishbowls with similar subject matter and attributed to the 19th century: the first of U-form, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 24th May 1981, lot 1585; the second of cylindrical form and sold in these rooms, 24th January 1975, lot 419A.  A Qianlong period fishbowl of very similar shape and design to the present, painted in underglaze-blue and copper-red, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, coll. no. C.139-1913.