Lot 8226. A pair of famille rose enameled and gilt painted dragon bowls, Qianlong marks, Republic period. Estimate US$ 6,000 - 8,000 (€5,500 - 7,300). Photo Bonhams.

The deep curving side walls of the identical pair regally decorated to the exterior with two opposing reserves, each framing a pair of dynamic five-clawed dragons pursuing a flaming pearl over crashing ocean waves above an auspicious bat, surrounding by numerous chrysanthemum flower heads lavishly painted in pleasant enamels against a gilt ground picked out between a key-fret band beneath the gilt rim and a border of stylized lappets encircling the slightly inwarded foot ring with an additional key-fret band and gilt highlight, the interior well painted with a yellow ground roundel, depicting a front-facing dragon and a flaming pearl amongst cloud scrolls; the recessed base of each bowl centered with a square cartouche of thefour-character mark in red against a gilt ground. 6 5/8in (16.8cm) diameter; 2 13/16in (7.2cm) high

Provenance: Acquired 18 April 2003 from Retrospection Fine Antiques, Oregon 
Collection of a Marquis, Silverton, Oregon, by repute 
Collection of John Schiess 
Collection of Brooks and Dorothy Cofield 

Bonhams. CHINESE, INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART AND PAINTINGS, 2016-06-28, 12:00 PDT, SAN FRANCISCO