A BLUE-GROUND WUCAI 'DRAGON' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF KANGXI

well potted with deep rounded sides rising from a slightly tapered foot to a gently everted rim, vigorously painted on a blue-ground with a green and a red five-clawed dragon, each striding among flames in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' floating in mid-air above quatrefoil multi-coloured clouds, all above three rows of overlapping petals springing from a double-line border encircling the foot, the interior similarly painted with a blue-ground medallion enclosing a green dragon writhing among flames reaching for a pearl within a line border, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double circles, the fifth claw of each dragon later hidden beneath black enamel

There is a small restored shallow chip to the rim, approx 0.5 cm. There are some original tiny nicks to the interior of the foot. The fifth claw on each paw of the dragons have been later covered with a black enamel. Otherwise the bowl is 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. 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."