WANLI SIX-CHARACTER MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1573-1619)

A slightly larger polychrome fish bowl of this shape also painted with blue dragons amidst meandering yellow-glazed lingzhi scroll, in the British Museum (bequeathed by Harvey Hadden) is illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics, London, 2001, p. 331, pl. 11:145 where the author cites an identical example in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. Another example in the Percival David Collection, was included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, London, 1935-36, Catalogue, no. 1827; and another of more flared shape, but with a very similar combination of colours and motifs was illustrated in the exhibition As You Wish, Symbol and Meaning on Chinese Porcelains from the Taft Museum, China Institute Gallery, New York, 23 October 1993 - 15 January 1994, Catalogue no. 8. The author, D. T. Johnson states, that 'The dragons on the basin, which represent the emperor, are pursuing large yellow sprigs of the fungus of immortality (lingzhi) and the lotus plants symbolize harmony. The entire image conveys the wish for good fortune for the empire.' Another large polychrome dragon jar with a slightly different design of dragons amidst a lotus pond was sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 1999, lot 288.