A pair of massive Chinese Swatow (Zhangzhou) Kraak-style blue and white 'Peacock' bowls. China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644, 大明), Wanli period (1572-1620, 萬曆), late 16th c. Similar examples are preserved in Princesshof Museum in Netherlands (check pictures). Very impressive example of late Ming ceramics! Potted in shallow inverted domical section, the interior surfaces painted with strong cobalt underglaze blue in radiating panels of fruiting plants, bamboo and scrolls encircling roundel with phoenix standing on rockwork amongst clouds and flowers. The exterior with leaf sprays. The partially glazed recessed base and foot with kiln grit, typical for the original period ware. Dimensions: diameter - 37,5 / 37,7 cm (c. 14 1/2 in); height - 8,3 / 7,7 cm. Weight - 1840 / 1936 g. Bibliography: - 'A cargo of Zhangzhou porcelain found off Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam', Michael Flecker, 2002, Oriental Art; - 'The Binh Thuan Shipwreck: Archaeological Report'. Michael Flecker; - 'Ceramics in shipwrecks were excavated in Vietnam’s sea from the 1990s to the present: Origin and trade routes', Sơn Đức Anh Trần, January 2019, Dong A University; - Christie's Melbourne 'Binh Thuan Shipwreck Catalogue', 2004, https://www.christies.com/en/auction/binh-thuan-19224/?loadall=true&page=10&sortby=lotnumber; - https://mdflecker.wixsite.com/maritimexplorations/binh-thuan-wreck; Provenance: - Binh Thaun shipwreck sunk around 1608; - commercial recovery in 2001 and excavated in 2002; - sold at Christies Melbourne in 2004; - around 2015 purchased by present owner, later in his private collection in Germany. Footnote: on 1st and 2nd March 2004, a small Cargo of Ming Dynasty porcelain was auctioned by Christie's in Melbourne, Australia. The wreck was first discovered in early 2001 by local fishermen off the coast of Bin Thuan Province in Vietnam. The Vietnamese authorities soon got wind of the discovery and excavated the site in October 2002. Of the 34,000 pieces recovered, half were retained for the museums in Vietnam, and the remaining 17,000 pieces were auctioned in Melbourne, where bidding was very strong. Archaeological research confirmed that the Junk was Chinese, and was carrying a cargo of Wanli (1573-1620) "Swatow" porcelain from Zhangzhou in Southern China, together with a large quantity of iron pans. It is believed that the Junk may have sunk after hitting a nearby reef. VOC (Dutch East India Company) records state that a Junk belonging to Chinese merchant I Sin Ho had been lost in this area in 1608, on route to Johore on the Malay Peninsular. Although no conclusive evidence has been found, all the indications point to The Bin Thuan Shipwreck being the vessel of the unfortunate I Sin Ho. The Bin Thuan Shipwreck is the first dedicated shipment of Zhangzhou porcelain to be found. Made by hand in Fujian Province, the porcelain is often characterised by kiln grit adhering to the base, and the free and spontaneous decoration which means that each piece is literally unique. UV- and day-light pictures included. Conditions report: very good condition considering the age and history of items. Both with stabilised and retouched single hairlines, one with small restored chips/fritting to the top-rim. Typical for period firing faults. Wear to the glaze due to the long exposure on salt water. Strong white- and UV-light tested. Check pictures for details. Worldwide delivery with online tracking.