A pale-green-glazed bowl.. Incised Yongle four-character mark, 18th century. Photo Bonhams

The bowl exceptionally thinly potted, the interior carefully incised at the centre with the Yongle nian zhi mark in seal script and on the sides with two five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, the exterior undecorated, all covered with a glaze of delicate pale green hue, stopping neatly at the foot and rim. 13.5 cm (5¼in) diam. Lot 6. Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 / CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / HK$ 25,000 - 37,000

十八世紀 天青釉暗刻龍紋薄胎碗 「永樂年製」篆書刻款

Provenance: a European private collection and thence by descent

 Bonhams. 17 May 2012 10 a.m. London, New Bond Street. Fine Chinese Art