A RARE IRON-RED AND ANHUA-DECORATED 'BIRTHDAY' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF KANGXI

the everted rim painted in iron red with a band of the 'hundred bats', the interior decorated in relief with a medallion enclosing the characters hong fu qi tian (‘happiness as vast as the heavens’) and encircled by incised designs of two dragons amidst clouds within a border of classic scrolls and a stylised scroll band in the cavetto, the base inscribed with an underglaze-blue six-character reign mark within a double-circle

Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 5th November 1997, lot 1487.

There are two small knicks to the rim, around the 9 and 5 o'clock positions, the latter likely the result of a burst air bubble. As visible in the catalogue illustration, there is a small glaze flake to the interior. There is also a chip to the inside of the foot which has been smoothed (at approx. the 7 o'clock position of the reign mark). The dish is otherwise 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."