A Rare Wucai 'Dragon' Dish Mark and Period of Longqing

the shallow rounded sides supported on a tapered foot, the interior decorated with a medallion enclosing two five-clawed dragons writhing sinuously amid ruyi-shaped clouds and flames in mutual pursuit of a blue 'flaming pearl' in the centre, one dragon with an underglaze-blue body and an iron-red serrated spine and the other vice versa, an iron-red double-line bordering the medallion and rim, the exterior similarly decorated with four further five-clawed dragons in red, blue, yellow and green respectively, all between a double-line border encircling the foot and rim, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double circles

The dish is in fair condition, with the exception of fritting to the mouth rim, and an associated glaze flake of 0.8 x 0.3 cm at 3 O'clock position, and a few iron spots (visible in the illustration), as well as a glaze flake of 0.5 x 0.25 cm and another two much smaller ones above the foot on the exterior. There are fine scratches all over and wear to enamels is more significant in the interior. The dish is also warped.
"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."

Wucai wares from the short-lived Longqing reign are rare, and only a small number is preserved in museum and private collections. For a closely related dish in the British Museum, bequeathed by Francis Howard Paget in 1945, see J.Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, no.10:8. For another rare Longqing reign-marked piece sold at auction, see a wucai 'cross' box and cover decorated with similar five-clawed dragons, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 455.