Lot 316. A fine pair of small yellow-ground aubergine and green enamelled 'Dragon' dishes, Qianlong six-character seal marks in aubergine enamel and of the period (1736-1795); 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000 (USD 39,060 - USD 65,100). © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

The interior of each dish is skilfully decorated to the centre with a green and an aubergine dragon contesting a flaming pearl amongst fire scrolls, their scaly bodies and facial details finely incised. Each exterior is decorated with four double clusters of grapes. 

Provenance: Collection of Lieutenant General Louis E. Woods, Washington, D.C., acquired in China in the mid 1940s as a Christmas present form Major General Hu Chung Ching, Director of Foreign Affairs Department, with presentation card (presentation card within its box).