A PAIR OF WHITE DRAGON- INCISED STEM BOWLS INCISED MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

each with deep rounded sides below a slightly flared rim, the exterior of the delicately potted sides finely incised with a pair of confronting dragons in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amidst scattered clouds and flames above stylised waves crashing against rocks, supported by a tall, columnar stem further incised with clouds and flames, the centre of the interior incised with a six-character reign mark within a double ring, all beneath a transparent green-tinged glaze, stands

Bluett & Sons, London (label).
Collection of Dr. Carl Kempe (1884-1967) (no. 754).
Eskenazi Ltd., London, 2001.

Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, no. 754, with a line drawing of the design, p. 230.
Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 4, no. 1782.

Both bowls have minute nicks to the rims. One bowl has a few faint pin pricks. The other bowl has some iron spots and kiln grit to the interior and one visible on the exterior. But otherwise in very good condition. The incising is very crisp and clear.
"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."

Qianlong white stem bowls with engraved lotus scrolls and with a wider stem can be found in many public and private collections, but the present type, with slender stems and engraved dragons is very rare. A pair of similar stem bowls in the Raymond Oppenheim collection was sold in our London rooms, 1st July 1969, lot 183; for another pair see Christie's London, 26th November 1974, lot 221.