A CHINESE IMPERIAL YELLOW-GROUND 'DRAGON' SAUCER DISH

SIX CHARACTER QIANLONG MARK AND OF THE PERIOD 1736-95

The centre incised and enamelled with two dragons contesting a sacred pearl amidst stylised flames, one dragon painted in green enamels and the other in aubergine, all contained within a double ring, the reverse decorated with alternating cranes and ruyi-clouds, 14.3cm.

Provenance: formerly a Japanese private collection.

Cf. M Medley, The World's Great Collections: Oriental Ceramics, vol.6, Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, monochrome pl.281 for a similar dish; see also S Marchant & Son, Exhibition of Qing Mark and Period Monochromes and Enamelled Wares, no.28 for another related example.