A BISCUIT-DECORATED 'DRAGON' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF HONGZHI

with deep rounded sides rising from a short slightly tapered foot to a gently everted rim, applied overall with a rich transparent glaze, save for a five-clawed dragon incised on the interior writhing among stylised clouds within a central medallion, its head, scaly body and limbs reserved on the biscuit and fired pale orange, the exterior with two five-clawed dragons striding above crashing waves and rocks, similarly incised and reserved on the biscuit, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double ring

Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2006, lot 1389.

There is an aprox. 3.8 cm hairline crack to the rim and the glaze is a little matte. Otherwise the bowl is in quite 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."

A closely related bowl in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Monochrome Ware of the Ming Dynasty, Book 2, Hong Kong, 1968, pl. 1; another is published in John Ayers, The Baur Collection, vol. 1, Geneva, 1999, pl. 68; and a third from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, included in the Oriental Ceramics Society exhibition Ming Polychrome Porcelain, London, 1950, cat. no. 78, was sold in our London rooms, 27th November 1962, lot 20, and again at Christie's London, 25th March 1974, lot 175. See a Hongzhi example in a dish form in the current sale, lot 225.