A RARE PAIR OF MING-STYLE UNDERGLAZE BLUE IRON-RED-GROUND DISHES QIANLONG SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD

each painted in cobalt blue on the interior with simulated 'heaping and piling' with a bouquet of ribbon-tied lotus and water weeds, the cavetto with composite floral scrolls and a band of classic scroll at the rim, the exterior with a repeated floral scroll and a key-fret border just below the rim, reserved on a rich iron-red ground leaving the rim and base white, seal mark in underglaze blue (2)

Christie's Swire Hong Kong, 24th October 1993, lot 831.

One dish has a small piece of kiln grit and burst air bubble on the rim, the other with scratches to the interior. Both appear to be in 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.
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.

It is extremely rare to find dishes of this pattern reserved on iron-red grounds, though these can be found reserved on yellow grounds. See, for example, the Qianlong-marked dish with similar pattern but of larger size illustrated in Chinese Porcelain, The S.C Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, vol. I, pl. 109.