A LARGE CLOISONNE ENAMEL 'DRAGON' DISH MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the gently curved sides rising from a short spreading foot to an everted rim, brightly decorated to the interior with two large scaly dragons in mutual pursuit of a flaming pearl, all reserved on a fire and cloud scroll turquoise ground, the exterior and base with lotus scrolls 

From a private European collection acquired in the 1980's.

This large dish is in good overall condition with the exception of small areas of enamel loss to the underside of the rim, overall tiny areas of enamel shrinkage and characteristic pitting.
"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."

The present cloisonne enamel dish is impressive for its magnificent  size and for the deep and varied range of colours employed in its decoration. A closely related dish of slightly larger dimensions, from the Pierre Uldry collection, is published in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonne, Zurich, 1985, pl. 222. See also dish of similar form but decorated with the motif of dragon and phoenix in the same colour palette, illustrated in E.E. Bluett, 'Chinese Cloisonne in the Krolik Collection', Oriental Art, Winter 1965, p. 222, fig. 5, and sold in these rooms, 24th February 1970, lot 35.  

Dishes of this type continue in the tradition of earlier Ming vessels, for example compare a Jiajing period dish with the dragon and phoenix design published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 46; and another Wanli period dish with the motif of interlocking sprays of camellia, ibid., pl. 48.