AN EXTREMELY RARE YELLOW AND IRON-RED 'DRAGON' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

the deep rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to an everted rim, freely painted around the exterior with two large scaly five-clawed yellow dragons in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' outlined in iron-red, all amidst ruyi-head cloud and fire scrolls, the foot with a keyfret band, the base with an underglaze blue six-character mark

A Japanese Collection.

The bowl is in very good condition, except for very few minute pinholes to the mouth rim and little frits to foot ring. The yellow and iron-red glaze are well preserved with very little surface scratches.
"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."

Compare a very similar bowl from the collection of Hirota Fukkosai, donated to the Tokyo National Museum, exhibited in Tokyo National Museum, Hirota Fukkosai Collection: Ceramics, Tokyo, 2007, cat. no. 79.