A PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE 'DRAGON' BOWLS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of globular form, the deep rounded sides rising from a splayed foot to a raised rim, cast and gilt in high relief with two five-clawed dragons pacing above turbulent waves in reach of a 'flaming pearl', their scaly bodies writhing amidst stylized flames and clouds, a cragged cliff battered by the tempestuous sea on the reverse, all between a band of pendent ruyi at the foot and incised key-fret encircling the rim 

A private European collection.

Lateranensi Museum, Rome, 1960s (on loan, by repute).

There is some surface wear and rubbing to the gilding on the interior and on the exterior as visible in the photo. There are a few minor nicks around the to the mouth rim and some green oxidization on the interior, but overall the bowls are in very good condition.
"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."

Gilt-bronze bowls of this form are rare, although at least one Qianlong marked example is known in gold, included in the National Palace Museum exhibition Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2002, cat. no. I-47. Compare also a similar decoration of dragons chasing a pearl above identical crested waves, on a gold bell dated to the Qianlong reign, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Treasures of Imperial Court, vol. 57, Hong Kong, 2004, pl. 5, p.6.