Lot 3161.  A large blue and white 'Dragon' bowl, Ming dynasty, Jiajing mark and period (1522-1566); 29.8 cm., 11 3/4 in. Estimate 300,000-400,000 HKD (29,357 — 39,143 EUR). Lot sold 596,000 HKD (58,323 EUR). Photo Sotheby's.

well potted with deep rounded sides and everted rim raised on a slightly tapered foot, the interior centred with an en face five-clawed dragon leaping amidst lotus scrolls within double circles, the exterior similarly decorated with a pair of sinuous dragons amongst a lotus scroll, all brilliantly painted in vivid tones of cobalt blue above a band of upright lappets circling the foot, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue.