Lot 1794. An aubergine-glazed incised 'dragon' dish, Kangxi incised six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1622-1722); 9 7/8 in. (25.2 cm.) diam. Estimate: HKD 80,000 - HKD 100,000. Price realised HKD 187,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008.

The interior medallion finely incised with a sinuous ascending dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', surrounded by a pair of striding dragons on the cavetto, the exterior similarly decorated with a further pair of striding dragons above a band of stylised lotus petals, all amidst jagged flames and ruyi clouds, in a glaze of vibrant purple tone. 

Note: Previously sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 14 November 1983, lot 142.

Compare with two identical Kangxi-marked dishes, the first illustrated in Chinese Porcelain, The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, Part I, pl. 144; another from the Koger Collection, illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics - the Koger Collection, 1985, p. 172, pl. 144. It has been suggested that this vibrant purple glaze was an innovation of the late Kangxi period, and the Koger dish was 'part of an Imperial dragon service, continuing a style instituted under the Ming', op. cit., 1985, p. 172.

Christie's Hong Kong. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 27 May 2008