A FINE BLUE AND WHITE 'DRAGON' JARDINIÈRE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

the steeply rounded sides rising to a gently lipped rim, painted around the body with a pair of five-clawed dragons striding among clouds above a band of foaming waves, the slightly concave base with an unglazed ring encircling a further recessed-central medallion, inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue, wood stand

Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 12th May 1983, lot 172.

The jardinière is in very good condition with just a minuscule glaze flake to the rim and expected light surface wear to the base and exterior.
"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."

This jardinière is notable for the dynamic depiction of dragons striding among clouds above crashing waves, all rendered in vibrant cobalt. A closely related example in the Nanjing Museum is published in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 274; one was sold at Bonhams London, 7th November 2013, lot 56, and again in our New York rooms, 12th September 2018, lot 149; and another was sold in our New York rooms, 23rd March 2011, lot 732. This design continued to remain popular throughout the Qing dynasty; see a Daoguang mark and period example in the Shanghai Museum, published in Illustrated Catalogue of Ch’ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, vol. II, Tokyo, 1981, pl. 113; and a Tongzhi version, from the collection of Mr B.C. Tattenhall, included in Sir Harry Garner, Oriental Blue and White, London, 1973, pl. 83A.