A Chinese porcelain saucer dish, Wanli mark and of the period, painted to the central reserve with three lingzhi clouds inside a double circle, and to the exterior with two five-clawed dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl amid cloud scrolls, underglaze blue six-character mark within a double circle to base, 18cm diameterNotes: This design was frequently commissioned by emperors throughout the Ming dynasty, here favouring the simplicity of the three lingzhi on the interior and the busier arrangement of two dragons chasing flaming pearls on the exterior. The five-clawed dragon is a symbol of imperial power, and the flaming pearl it pursues represents wisdom, enlightenment and spiritual essence. The three lingzhi cloud scrolls symbolize great health and longevity, with the number three being an auspicious one. Excellent and outstanding people are compared to a dragon, and the phrase ???? (‘wàng z? chéng lóng’) means ‘hoping one's son will become a dragon’. For a similar example, see Sotheby's, London, Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 11th May 2010, Lot 52; a Hung Chih period dish of the same design is illustrated in Oriental Blue & White, London, 1973, fig. 39c; a smaller Hongwu period dish of the same design is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red, vol. I, Beijing, 1995, col. pl. 23.

Rim slightly fritted. No chips cracks or restoration.