A group of four blue and white 'Kraak Porselein' dishes, Chongzhen period, circa 1643. Estimate $3,000 - $5,000. Price Realized $5,000 . Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each bracket-lobed dish is decorated in the interior with a central cartouche, two with birds, one with a phoenix and one with a mythical beast, enclosed by a band of radiating lappets containing either a Buddhist emblem or a fruit. 8 in. (20.3 cm.) diam.

Provenance: The Property of Captain Michael Hatcher; Christie's Amsterdam, 14 March 1984.
Collection of Julia and John Curtis.

Literature: Julia B. Curtis, “Transitionware Made Plain: A Wreck in the South China Sea,” Oriental Art, Volume XXXI, No. 2, Summer, 1985, p. 171, fig. 21 (right, dish with three birds).

Christie's. AN ERA OF INSPIRATION: 17TH-CENTURY CHINESE PORCELAINS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JULIA AND JOHN CURTIS, 16 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza