Lot 1721. A large pale green, aubergine and yellow-glazed 'dragon' dish, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 13¾ in. (34.9 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 12,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 21,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.  

Painted in the interior with two five-clawed dragons confronted around a pearl amidst clouds and flames, the cavetto painted with peony, chrysanthemum, prunus and various other flowering trees beneath a diaper border at the rounded rim, the exterior painted with four striding dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, all reserved on the pale green ground, the base with two ascending dragons confronted around an apocryphal Chenghua mark reserved on black enamel possibly obscuring a Kangxi reign mark.  

Provenance: S. Gorer & Son, London.