A 'wucai' 'dragon' dish. Wanli Mark And Period. Photo Sotheby's

of saucer shape, the central medallion painted in underglaze-blue, green and yellow enamels and iron-red with a leaping dragon above a 'flaming pearl' flanked by phoenix flying high amidst clouds, the cavetto with four medallions each enclosing a character, separated by rolling waves and stylized florets, the exterior painted with a meandering lotus scroll; Diameter 5 5/8 in., 14.3 cm. Estimate 10,000-15,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 12th and 13th May 1976, lot 61.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York. 14 september 2011 www.sothebys.com