Lot 4068. A fine small blue and white 'Dragon' bowl, Wanli six-character mark within double circles and of the period (1573-1619), 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000. Price realised HKD 325,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The bowl is painted in tones of violet-blue depicting a frontal five-clawed dragon in the centre of the interior. The cavetto is decorated with a pair of phoenixes separated by cloud scrolls, the exterior with a continuous meandering peony scroll, Japanese wood box. 

Provenance: A Japanese private collection since the mid-20th century 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 30 May 2012, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall