Xuantong pair of imperial yellow-glazed 'dragon' saucer-dishes & Daoguang yellow-glazed 'dragon' saucer dish

A pair of yellow-glazed 'dragon' saucer-dishes, Xuantong six-character marks and of the period. photo Bonhams

Each dish with gently rounded sides, incised on the interior with a single writhing dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl, amidst flame scrolls, the exteriors incised with a pair of similar striding dragons, the interiors and sides covered with a rich egg-yolk yellow, the base with underglaze blue mark beneath a clear glaze. 18.6cm (7¼in) diam. (2). Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000, HK$24,000 - 35,000

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 22 June 1971, lots 70 (part lot) and 80

Compare a similar pair of incised dragon dishes sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26 April 2004, lot 1090, but with the marks in aubergine enamel over a yellow glaze. (below)

A pair of imperial yellow-glazed 'dragon' saucer-dishes, Xuantong six-character marks and of the period (1908-1911). photo Christie's Ltd 2004

Each dish incised on the interior with a single full-faced dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amidst flame-scrolls, the exterior similarly decorated with two striding dragons carved on the curved sides, all covered with a rich egg-yolk yellow glaze, the mark inscribed with an aubergine enamel  4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) diam., box (2). Est. HK$40,000 - HK$60,000 ($5,152 - $7,728) - Price Realized HK$50,190 ($6,465). Christie's Hong Kong, 26 April 2004 www.christies.com

A yellow-glazed 'dragon' saucer dish. Daoguang seal mark and of the period. photo Bonhams

With deep rounded sides, incised on the interior with a writhing dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl amidst flame scroll enclosed by a single circle, the sides enamelled with a pair of similar striding dragons, the interior and sides covered with a rich egg-yolk yellow enamel, the base with mark in underglaze blue covered with a clear glaze. 17.4cm (7in) diam. Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000, HK$18,000 - 24,000

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 22 June 1971, lot 70 (part lot)

Compare a very similar dish with incised dragons (17.5cm diam.) illustrated by G.Avitabile, Vom Schatz der Drachen. From the Dragon's Treasure, Weishaupt, 1987, p.45, fig.45.

Bonhams.  Fine Chinese Art, 13 May 2010. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com