A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'LOTUS' DISHES QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

each with gently curved sides rising to an everted rim, painted in varying tones of blue with two egrets in a pond amid budding, flowering, and leafing lotus, one bird enjoying the shelter of a large lotus leaf, the water depicted with fine lines and pale blue wash, all within a line border at the rim, the exterior encircled by leafy bamboo on one dish, the other with floral sprigs, the base with an underglaze blue wan symbol within a double square within a double circle (2)

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York.

One with two hairline cracks extending from the rim. Each with minor firing imperfections including iron spots and burst glaze bubbles. Each with minor fritting at the rim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The  particular combination of a pair of egrets, lotus pond, and reed painted on this pair of dishes is more than simply an aesthetically pleasing composition. The grouping of these three elements illustrate the benevolent wish lulu lianke, 'May you pass the civil service examinations, one after the other.'