Lot 128. A blue and white 'dragon' dish, Wanli Mark and Period (1573-1619); diameter 9 3/4 in., 24.8 cm. Estimate USD 30,000 — 40,000. Lot sold USD 34,000. © Sotheby's

with shallow rounded sides and flared rim, the well of the interior  painted in bright cobalt-blue with a large central medallion of two five-clawed dragons in mutual pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' among clouds and flames, the motif repeated on the cavetto, the exterior painted with scrolling lotus, all above a slightly tapered foot, six-character mark within a double-circle to the base.

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1998, lot 741.