the deep rounded sides rising to a characteristically incurved rim, carved with a continuous frieze of a sinuous striding dragon chasing a 'flaming pearl', against spiraled lingzhi-shaped clouds, all above swirling water forming the base and cresting along the edges of the foot, the stone of a mottled deep-green tone with scattered black and russet inclusions

Anunt Hengtrakul, New York.

Overall in good condition with minor expected nicks and chips. The color of the stone is very slightly brighter than in the illustration in the printed catalogue.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

With its continuous frieze of a dragon soaring above roiling waves, the present bowl is notable for its bold and striking carving combining imagery of heaven and earth. The creature's sweeping mane, whiskers and meandering body are echoed in the whirling, spiraling clouds, creating a dynamic composition when viewed from any vantage point.  The present piece is rare for its use of low relief carving, and the inclusion of a single dragon. The artisan has retained the powerful imagery seen in bowls of this type, while simultaneously emphasizing the shape and quality of the stone. For an early Qing dynasty beige jade example with a similar composition and profile, but with two dragons carved against a low relief ground, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Jadeware, vol. 3, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 165. A closely related bowl attributed to the 17th / 18th century, also with two dragons, sold in these rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 17.

A mutton fat jade bowl attributed to the Kangxi period with a similar profile but carved with bats in higher relief is illustrated in Stanley Charles Nott, Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, London, 1936, pl. CI. See also two oval-shaped spinach-green jade examples with multiple dragons sold in our London rooms, the first sold 18th June 1968, lot 151 and attributed to the 17th century, the second sold 1st July 1969, lot 53 and attributed to the 17th/18th century. 

For late Ming dynasty examples which appear to be broader and shorter, see a bowl in the Maude Monell Vetlesen Collection illustrated in Joan M. Hartman, Chinese Jade of Five Centuries, Tokyo and Portland, VT, 1969, pl. 8, and one included in the exhibition Jade as Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art, Saint Paul, 1975, cat. no. 6.