Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1563-1620)

Diameter: 20 ½ in.; 52 cm.

“Kraak” porcelain takes its name from the Dutch word for carrack, or Caracca, the Portuguese merchant ships that, together with Dutch VOC ships from 1602 onward, transported quantities of Chinese blue and white porcelain to Europe, 1550-1640. Denoting worldly knowledge and luxury, similar pieces appear in Dutch still life paintings of the early 17th century, and later served as inspiration for potters in Delft.

For a similar example see Rinaldi, Kraak Porcelain, London 1989, pl.90 p.101. See also Jorg, Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam, 1997), pl.40 p.59

Condition: Good, deep colors and fine translucent glaze, several old flea bites to rim consistent with age, a stable 4” hairline, visible on the underside, and two small 2” firing flaws in the center