A PAIR OF CHINESE YELLOW-GROUND 'DRAGON' BOWLS

GUANGXU 1875-1908

Each decorated with two incised dragons chasing pearls amidst fire wisps and clouds above stylised waves in green against a yellow ground, the base with a four character mark in underglaze blue which reads qing hua zhenpin (precious object of splendour) indicating it was made for the use of a first rank concubine, 16.2cm. (2)

Cf. R E Scott, Elegant Form and Harmonious Decoration, Four Dynasties of Jingdezhen Porcelain, fig.199, p.172 and also G Avitabile, From the Dragon's Treasure, pp.88-89, no.121 for similar examples.

Provenance: an English private collection, Hampshire.