Pair of porcelain bowls with chi dragons

Diameter: 4 1/4 inches, 12 cm
Height: 2 1/2 inches, 6.5 cm

Pair of porcelain bowls with chi dragons
Pair of porcelain bowls with chi dragons

Pair of porcelain bowls with chi dragons

Ming dynasty, Wanli period, 1572-1620

A pair of blue-and-white porcelain bowls, each with a deeply rounded body rising from a short tapering foot to an everted rim. Both bowls are painted in rich cobalt-blue tones on the exterior with a pair of bifid chilong divided by a flower spray. A coiled chilong medallion is visible on the inside base. Various plain blue bands encircle the outside foot. The base itself bears a square mark.

Provenance:  private collection, the Netherlands