Lot 615. A rare late Ming anhua-decorated blue and white 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Wanli six-character mark within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619); 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 100,000. Price realised HKD  95,600. © Christie's Image Ltd 2002

Painted in vibrant blue tones around the exterior to depict a dragon striding towards a phoenix with wings outstretched and streaming tail feathers above a band of lotus lappets around the foot, the interior with a confronted dragon and phoenix roundel within double circles, the cavetto decorated in anhua technique with two dragons striding amidst clouds, below a border of classic scrolls on the everted mouth rim (frits to mouth rim).