Doucai Dish with Dragon and Pearl, Yongzheng Mark and Period (1723-1735). Estimate : 5 000 € / 6 500 €. Photo Auctionata

Wide dish on a round base rim. In the centre a fine painting of a five clawed dragon with turquoise scales and a flaming magical pearl surrounded by small clouds and double circles. Additional cloud formations decorate the flag, framed by double circles. The outer wall is adorned with clouds above breaking waves. Base with six character Yongzheng mark among a double circles大清雍正年制 - In an old wooden box with silk. Diameter: 11.5 cm. Very good condition 

Notes: A nearly identical Doucai dish, also with Yongzheng mark and of the period, can be found in the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art (accession no. C1976.0044). That dish is also illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Wonders of the Potter's Palette, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1984, no. 45. 

Doucai 斗彩 

Doucai, which can be translated as ‘joined’ or ‘contrasting colors’, is a combination of underglaze cobalt blue contours with enamel colors, except blue, within the outline on the fired glaze. The blue color was applied as well as the contours under the glaze. This technique was invented in the early 15th century and perfected by the emperor Chenghua (1465-1487). In the 18th century, the technique was revived and the emperors of the Qing dynasty, such as Yongzheng and Qianlong followed Chenghua's passion for doucai objects and copied numerous pieces with the typical, sought-after pattern. 

AUCTIONATA AG, 10719 BERLIN. Important Art d'Asie, le 20 Juin 2015 à 14h00