A Large 'Longquan' Celadon Dish, Ming Dynasty

stoutly potted with rounded sides, the interior freely carved with a pair of phoenix in flight around a central medallion, within two pairs of dragons confronted on 'flaming pearls', the everted rim with a key fret border, the underside carved with flowering peony stems, all beneath the olive-green glaze, the base burnt orange in the firing.  47cm. Estimate 3,000—5,000 AUD

Sotheby's. The Connoisseur's Spring Collection, Including the Private Collection of Colin Lennox and Tom Gillies, John Stephens and The Late John Klinger. 28 Oct 08. Melbourne. www.sotheby's.com - photo courtesy Sotheby's