A large (28 cm d.) Chinese Swatow (Zhangzhou) blue and white 'Peacock' dish (platter, charger). China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644, 大明), Wanli period (1572-1620, 萬曆), late 16th c. Painted to the interior in strong cobalt blue with a peacock perching amongst a bamboo and oversize flower within a fishscale border with four cartouches of floral sprays. Exterior with two blue circles. The foot-rim and base with kiln grit, typical for the original Swatow ware. The phoenix symbolises peace and prosperity; peony - wealth, love, affection and beauty; bamboo - longevity. References: similar plate in Keramiekmuseum Princessehof (inv. no. GRV 1929-306); other other on Catawiki, last - sold by Christie's. All of them 28 cm diameter. UV- and day-light pictures included. Dimensions: diameter – 28 cm; height – 4,6 cm. Weight – 945 g. Conditions report: excellent condition for the age! Two small chips to the rim only. No cracks, no hairlines, no restorations. Typical for period firing faults. Use-related scratches to the glaze in places. Strong white-light tested. Check pictures for details. Worldwide delivery with online tracking.