A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE ‘DRAGON’ JAR MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the baluster body rising from a stepped foot to a short waisted neck, painted with three winged dragons amongst ruyi cloud scrolls in pursuit of flaming pearls above tumultuous waves, the shoulder painted with cranes in flight amongst clouds divided by six struts issuing from animal masks, the rim encircled by beribboned ruyi heads and the foot with a lappet band

This large jar has over-painting to approximately three quarters of the neck with associated over-painting extending down over the crane band and restoration to one handle, minor firing imperfections including glaze pulls, burst glaze bubbles, small blisters and iron spots, a three-pointed hairline star crack to the middle of the interior, a visible stained luting line, and light glaze scratches.
"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 smaller jar of related form and design is illustrated in John Carswell, Chinese Ceramics in the Sadberk Hanim Museum, Istanbul, 1995, pl. 47; and another, but modelled with a shorter neck and ruyi-head handles, was sold at Christie’s London, 15^th July 1981, lot 76.