Lot 3140. A pair of blue and white 'dragon' dishes, Seal marks and period of Qianlong (1736-1795); 17.1 cm., 6 3/4 in. Estimate 280,000 — 350,000 HKD. Lot Sold 375,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's.

each with rounded sides rising to a flaring rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue on the interior with a five-clawed dragon chasing a 'flaming pearl' against trailing flames, the exterior with a further pair of striding dragons each pursuing a 'flaming pearl', the underside inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 april 2011