37 - China. Ming Dynasty. Hongzhi Reign (1488–1505), (?)

China. Ming Dynasty. Hongzhi Reign (1488–1505), (?) Bowl decorated with dragons amid clouds and ocean waves Glazed porcelain, incised and painted in yellow and green 9.1 x 19.1 cm Distinguishing features: Hongzhi reign mark (?) Restrictions: This lot is accompanied by a certificate of free circulation issued on July 29, 2021. Condition. Body: 90% (cracks in the center of the base) Condition. Surface: 90% (slight opacity along the inner rim) For direct WhatsApp assistance before and during the live auction: +39 346 12 999 80 // Direct assistance via WhatsApp before and during the auction: +39 346 12 999 80 Decoration featuring five-clawed dragons flying among clouds and ocean waves: a classical motif intended for the imperial court. The decorative technique on the exterior is intended to mimic that used for the bisque. As Roberto Ciarla suggests based on an examination of high-definition images, the shape and decoration are consistent with the mark, but the glaze “appears extremely thin (so much so that traces of rotation are visible)” and the blue of the mark appears very pale. It is most likely a well-made 18th-century Ming-style imitation or, less likely, a low-quality Jingdezhen piece from the Hongzhi period (communication dated November 2, 2021). We thank Dr. Roberto Ciarla for his assistance in cataloging this work.