Lot 136. A rare blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, mark and period of Jiajing (1522-1566); 21.3 cm, 8 3/8  in. Estimate 70,000 — 90,000 HKD (8,918 - 11,466 USD). Lot Sold 525,000 HKD (66,969 USD). Photo: Sotheby's.

of circular form, supported on a short splayed foot, the domed cover boldly painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with a central medallion enclosing two five-clawed dragons, their sinuous scaly bodies writhing amidst stylised cloud clusters, all encircled by a wide band of further cloud scrolls, the curved sides of the box decorated with two further dragons striding amid scrolling clouds in pursuit of flaming pearls, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double circle.

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 2nd June 1970, lot 60

Note: Sturdily potted, the present covered box is painted with powerful dragons amidst scrolling clouds in vibrant cobalt blue, characteristic of ceramics wares made during the Jiajing period. Blue and white circular boxes painted with dragons are not uncommon in this reign, but those painted with a pair of confronting dragons on the cover, such as the current lot, are surprisingly rare. For the more common type with a single dragon, see an example sold in our London rooms, 10th November 2010, lot 54. See also a square box with confronting dragons striding above jagged rockwork and waves, sold in these rooms, 11th April 2008, lot 2938.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art from the Collection of Sir Quo-Wei Lee, Hong Kong, 03 oct. 2018, 10:10 AM