each finely potted with shallow rounded sides rising from a tapered foot, the exterior vividly enamelled against a lustrous black ground, depicting alternating iron-red lotuses and blue peony blooms borne on undulating leafy scrolls and tendrils, all above a band of black-pencilled classic scroll against a light green wash skirting the foot, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double circle

Both dishes with minute flakes to the rim retouched/ filled.
"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."

For closely related examples, see one in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Gongyi meishu bian: Taoci [Complete series on Chinese art. Arts and crafts section: Ceramics], Shanghai, 1988-1991, vol. 3, pl. 202; and another in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, gift of Julia C. Culland, illustrated in Rose Kerr, Chinese Ceramics, Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, London, 1986 (rev. ed. 1998), no. 23.