Lot 3670. A Tibetan-inscribed blue and white 'Dragon medallion' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619); 15.9 cm, 6 1/4 in. Estimate 150,000 — 200,000 HKD (19,109 - 25,478 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's.
the deep rounded sides rising from a tapered foot to a gently flared rim, richly painted to the exterior in bright cobalt blue tones, depicting four roundels formed from sinuous five-clawed dragons writhing amidst clouds, divided by pairs of the babao (Eight treasures) arranged in double registers, the interior with a central medallion enclosing a single large Tibetan 'All Powerful Ten'-style character, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double circle.
Note: Another Wanli blue and white bowl inscribed with Tibetan ‘All Powerful Ten’ style characters is illustrated in Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, pl. 11:100.
Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, Hong Kong, 03 oct. 2018, 03:00 PM