Plate - Porcelain - Swatow

Large Swatow (Zhangzhou) plate – Ming Dynasty, c. 1580–1620 – 27 cm – From a shipwreck

Impressive Chinese porcelain dish in blue-and-white, belonging to the export production known as Swatow (Zhangzhou ware), made in the Fujian kilns during the Ming Dynasty, Wanli period (1573–1620).

With a generous diameter of 27 cm, it features hand-painted cobalt oxide decoration under glaze, with a spontaneous and expressive composition characteristic of production intended for Southeast Asian maritime trade in the late 16th century.

This type of piece was part of large Chinese mercantile cargoes and is documented in important underwater finds such as the Binh Thuan shipwreck (Vietnam, ca. 1608), one of the most significant discoveries of Ming export porcelain.

Diameter: 27 cm
Condition: Showing signs compatible with submarine recovery (stains and wear coherent with prolonged immersion).

A piece with presence, history and great appeal for collectors of export Chinese porcelain and maritime archaeology.