Lot 3312. An Iron-Red And Underglaze-Blue ‘Dragon And Waves’ Saucer Dish, Yongzheng Period (1723-1735). D 20cm. Estimate 40,000 - 100,000 (USD 5,128 - 12,821). Sold Price: HKD 156,000 (USD 20,000). Copyright 2021 © Poly Auction Hong Kong Limited

Elegantly potted with shallow rounded sides rising to a flared rim. The ground painted in white-glaze all throughout. The exterior vividly decorated with waves in iron-red glaze, on the red sea are sea creatures including the dragon, flying horse, sea lion, walrus, and similar mythical beasts, all gliding across the red ground. The interior wall was left blank and a winged dragon with fins resides at the center on a sea of red waves, enclosed by a set of double circles in underglaze blue.

Provenance: 1. Collection of Mme. Lucien Thenlot, Paris, France, 1992
2. Duchange family collection, Paris, France.

Note: The ‘haibaguai [eight sea monsters]’, also known as ‘haishou yutao [sea beasts and fish among waves]’ decorative motif originated from porcelains decorated in blue underglaze alongside occasional red glazes. The design was first developed during the reign of the Xuande emperor (r. 1425-1435). Towards the end of the Ming dynasty, the red glaze was gradually replaced by underglaze blue. It was in the Qing dynasty that the original design scheme was recreated again.

Poly Auctions. Imperial Treasures: A Selection of Qing Imperial Porcelains, Hong Kong, 21 April 2021