A BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

of rectangular form with indented corners, the top of the cover vividly painted with a lobed panel enclosing a pair of five-clawed dragons ferociously writhing amongst clouds contesting a flaming pearl, above waves crashing against jagged mountains, all reserved against a diaper ground, the sides of the cover and box variously painted with rectangular panels of fruiting peach trees and birds, all divided at the corners by stylised lotus sprays supporting the babao (Eight Treasures), the rims bordered by bands of swirls and the foot with stylised mountains and waves, inscribed to the base with a six-character reign mark in three columns within a double rectangle

Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), and thence by descent in the family.

The box and cover are in overall good structural condition with typical firing imperfections. There is a stabilised hairline crack extending across the cover and a shorter hairline crack measuring approx. 4.7 cm extending from the rim of the box. There are also typical shallow nicks to the edges and small areas of fritting.
"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."

Compare a similar box in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in the Catalogue of a Special Exhibition of Dragon-motif Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983, cat. no. 37; one from the Falk Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2001, lot 144 and again in these rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1675; and another sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st November 2004, lot 1092.