A Large Chinese Ming dynasty Zhangzhou Swatow Blue White ceramic plate. 12.2 in For Sale

FOLLOW OUR STORE & SAVE Discover newly listed Asian antiques, antique Chinese porcelain, Chinese antique ceramics, Japanese antiques and unique historic collectibles. EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR OUR FOLLOWERS Follow our store to receive exclusive discounts and special offers reserved for store followers and returning customers. Stay connected so you do not miss newly listed Chinese antiques, antique Chinese porcelain and other carefully selected Asian antiques. ANTIQUE CHINESE MING DYNASTY BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN QILIN CHARGER Zhangzhou / Swatow Ware • Late 16th–Early 17th Century • Circa 1570–1620 DESCRIPTION An impressive antique Chinese porcelain charger produced during the late Ming Dynasty, approximately 1570–1620. This large Chinese blue and white porcelain dish belongs to the distinctive Zhangzhou ceramic tradition, historically known in the Western collecting market as Swatow ware. The charger is centred by a boldly painted qilin, the legendary Chinese auspicious creature, surrounded by stylised rockwork, vegetation, floral decoration and freely executed cobalt-blue ornament. As an example of Chinese Ming porcelain, this substantial blue and white porcelain plate displays the spontaneous brushwork, robust construction and broad unglazed sandy base associated with late Ming Zhangzhou export ceramics. It represents a particularly decorative example of antique Chinese blue and white porcelain and a substantial Chinese antique dish dating from the transition between the 16th century and early 17th century. PERIOD & CHARACTERISTICS

Late Ming Dynasty porcelain, circa 1570–1620.
• Authentic type of antique Chinese porcelain associated with southern Chinese Zhangzhou kiln production.
• Chinese blue white porcelain decoration executed in underglaze cobalt.
• Large central qilin surrounded by vegetation, floral ornament and stylised rockwork.
• Broad decorative rim typical of a large Chinese porcelain charger / Chinese antique plate.
• Greyish-white glaze with natural firing variation characteristic of Ming Dynasty porcelain.
• Large unglazed sandy base displaying concentric throwing lines and traditional kiln-production marks.
• Heavy and substantial handmade construction characteristic of late Ming Chinese export porcelain.
• Period spanning the late 16th century and beginning of the 17th century Chinese porcelain tradition.

ZHANGZHOU / SWATOW WARE Zhangzhou ceramics were produced in Fujian province during the late Ming Dynasty and exported extensively throughout Southeast Asia and international trading markets. Today these wares form an important specialist category within antique Chinese porcelain collecting and are widely recognised for their robust bodies, expressive cobalt painting, greyish glaze and broad sandy unglazed bases. The terms Zhangzhou porcelain and Swatow porcelain are commonly encountered by collectors searching for Chinese antique blue and white porcelain, Chinese Ming porcelain, Ming Dynasty porcelain and 16th century Chinese ceramics. Large chargers decorated with mythological animals such as the qilin form one of the most visually distinctive groups of late Ming blue and white porcelain. BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN DECORATION The central medallion depicts a vigorous qilin among stylised vegetation, clouds and rockwork. The surrounding cavetto is filled with scrolling floral decoration, while the broad lobed outer border carries a dynamic repeating design. The cobalt naturally varies from pale blue to deeper tones across the surface. This freely painted appearance is an important feature of Chinese blue and white Zhangzhou ceramics and gives this antique Chinese blue white porcelain charger the energetic, spontaneous character sought by collectors of Ming Dynasty Chinese porcelain. COLLECTOR'S CONTEXT This piece sits within several closely related collecting categories: antique Chinese ceramics, Chinese antique porcelain, antique Chinese porcelain, Chinese Ming porcelain, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Chinese blue white ceramics, blue and white porcelain, antique Chinese blue and white, Chinese antique dishes and late 16th / early 17th century Chinese porcelain. Unlike later revival pieces, its form, large sandy unglazed base, freely painted cobalt decoration and substantial construction correspond to the established visual language of late Ming Zhangzhou / Swatow export porcelain. DIMENSIONS Diameter: approximately 31 cm / 12.2 in
Height: approximately 5 cm / 2.0 in Its substantial 31 cm diameter places it firmly within the category of a large Chinese porcelain charger rather than a small plate or bowl. Please refer to the photographs for additional scale reference. CONDITION Antique condition with genuine signs of age, historical handling and traditional kiln production. Natural glaze variation, firing irregularities, surface wear and imperfections associated with handmade late Ming Chinese porcelain are present. These characteristics are consistent with the nature of 16th–17th century antique Chinese ceramics. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and provide the best representation of the actual condition, glaze, cobalt decoration, sandy base and surface. ANTIQUE CHINESE MING PORCELAIN A substantial and highly decorative antique Chinese Zhangzhou / Swatow blue and white porcelain charger, dating to the late Ming Dynasty, circa 1570–1620. A compelling example of Chinese antique porcelain, combining a large 31 cm format, central qilin, freely painted cobalt decoration and the characteristic broad sandy base of Ming Dynasty Zhangzhou porcelain. An appealing addition to a collection of antique Chinese porcelain, Chinese Ming porcelain, blue and white porcelain, Chinese antique dishes, late 16th century antiques or early 17th century Chinese ceramics.