A yellow-glazed 'dragon' dish. Mark and period of Qianlong. photo Sotheby's

incised in the interior with a medallion enclosing a dragon amidst scrolling clouds in pursuit of a flaming pearl, the exterior similarly decorated, the deep rounded sides set on a low straight foot rising to an everted rim, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in kaishu within double-circles. 17.3 cm., 6 3/4 in. Est. 150,000—180,000 HKD. Lot Sold 200,000 HKD

NOTE: Incised dragon dishes of this type from the Qianlong period is more commonly found with seal marks; it is rare to find a dish of this type with a kaishu reign mark.

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 08 Apr 10. Hong Kong www.sothebys.com