the shallow rounded sides supported on a tapered foot, covered overall in a pale bluish-white glaze, decorated in iron-red in the centre with an Arabic inscription contained within a medallion, enclosed by four further phrases, the exterior with a continuous inscription and further double-line borders, Da Ming Zhengde nian zhi transcribed phonetically into Arabic script, in iron-red within two double circles

This dish is in overall good condition, with minor rubbing to the enamels, slight staining to the interior and minor surface scratches, consistent with age. There are very few burst bubbles.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This well-potted dish belongs to a small group of porcelain wares that incorporates both Arabic and Persian inscriptions in its designs in keeping with the emperor’s religious leanings. The inscription in the central roundel may transcribed as 'Allah provides for whom He wills without account' within 'Praise be to you, exalted and mighty'. The four inscriptions on the exterior are comprised of the phrase, 'the Mighty God, the Most Great told the truth', written twice in Arabic and twice in Persian. A closely related example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Enamelled Ware of the Ming Dynasty. II. Hong Kong, 1966, pl. 7; another dish in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, is published in The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics. Vol 13. Ming. (part 2). Shanghai, 1999, pl. 146; and a third, from the collection of the British Rail Pension Fund, was sold in these rooms, 2^nd December 1974, lot 289, again in our Hong Kong rooms, 16^th May 1989, lot 23, and a third time at Christie’s New York, 21^st March 2002, lot 170.