Lot 3158. An unusual blue and white 'dragon' meiping vase. Ming Dynasty, 15th century, Interregnum period; 31.4 cm., 12 3/8 in. Estimate 500,000-700,000 HKD (48,929 — 68,501   EUR). Lot sold 1,220,000 HKD (119,387 EUR).  Photo Sotheby's

sturdily potted with high rounded shoulders rising to a short waisted neck and a lipped mouthrim, freely painted in underglaze blue with a ferocious five-clawed dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl', its long scaly body striding amid clouds swirls and flames, all beneath a frieze depicting two confronting phoenix flying amid lotus flowers on leafy scrolling stems below a key-fret band at the neck, the foot painted with a wide band of turbulent crashing waves. 

PROVENANCE: Hirano Kotoken, Osaka.

LITTERATURE: Toki zenshu, vol. 11, Tokyo, 1960, p. 17, fig. 32 right.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Hong Kong | 04 avr. 2012 www.sothebys.com