each with deep rounded sides rising from a short straight foot to a gently flared rim, the exterior vividly decorated with a green and an iron-red dragon striding in pursuit of flaming pearls, interrupted by a pair of descending phoenix, all below a band of bajixiang and ruyi emblems, the interior with a medallion enclosing an iron-red five-clawed dragon writhing next to a flaming pearl, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle, wood stands

香港蘇富比1992年4月28/29日，編號172
香港蘇富比2007年10月9日，編號1618

The overall condition is very good. The enamels are all intact. The light brown enamels have crizzled giving the brown painted areas an added attractive metallic effect.
"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."

It is relatively rare to find a pair of such well-matched Qianlong 'dragon and phoenix bowls'. An individual bowl of this size and design in the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum is illustrated in Keitokuchin jiki, Tokyo, 1982, p. 119 bottom; and another from the Ohlmer Collection in the Roemer Museum, Hildesheim, is included in Ulrich Wiesner, Chinesisches Porzellan, Mainz am Rhein, 1981, pl. 123.