A Fine Blue and White and Iron-Red Mallow-Shaped Dish Yang He Tang Zhi Hall Mark, Qing Dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

moulded with shallow rounded sides rising to a five-lobed rim resembling the overlapping petals of a mallow flower, divided on the interior by 'S'-shaped ridges radiating around a central medallion enclosing an iron-red shou character, each compartment decorated with detached billows of clouds, the underside painted with two iron-red five-clawed dragons striding among clouds in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', the base inscribed in black enamel with a four character Yanghe Tang zhi hall mark within double squares

There is a small discolouration in the glaze on the top of one of the ogee-shaped ridges on the interior, but overall the dish is in very good condition and the iron-red decoration well preserved.
"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."

The Yanghe Tang ('Hall for Cultivating Harmony') was built during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor and located in the Summer Palace Yuanming Yuan. Porcelain vessels intended for this hall and marked accordingly kept on being produced onto the 19th century. See a Yanghe Tang marked Famille-Rose vase painted with prunus, from the J.T. Tai Collection, sold in our New York rooms, 22nd March 2011, lot 119.