A doucai 'dragon and phoenix' bowl. Jiaqing seal mark and of the period

With rounded walls rising to the slightly flared rim, the exterior decorated with an iron-red and a green enamelled dragon pursuing the flaming pearl alternating with two swooping phoenix, with a band of the bajixiang (Eight Buddhist Emblems) alternating with lappets below the rim, the interior with a medallion enclosing a writhing iron-red dragon pursuing the flaming pearl amidst fire scrolls.
14.8cm (5¾in) diam. Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000

Bonham's. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com (Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)