Sold Ceramics
Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645
Dishes
Page 2
Dutch merchants arrived in Asia towards the end of the 16th century. The The Dutch East India Company, (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC), was founded in 1602, competed fiercely with the Portuguese as traders. Porcelain from captured Portuguese vessels (caraccas) was called kraak porcelain, a Dutch corruption of the Portuguese word. It was made especially for export in Jingdezhen, the porcelain centre in Jiangxi Province. The VOC shipped it in huge quantities and soon it was a commonplace item in Dutch interiors.
Kraak porcelain was primarily bought for practical use but pieces also had decorative functions. The paintings, done in underglaze blue only, show landscapes and animals, rarely human figures, making this porcelain suitable for Islamic markets, too. Buddhist and Daoist good luck symbols make up the panelled border decorations. Plates and dishes were moulded. They are thin, usually rather quickly finished and often have kiln grit adhering to the underside. The glaze on the edge is often retracted. Apart from large dishes, the bases of other objects are glazed, and the V-shaped footring is slightly undercut. Initially, the panels on kraak porcelain were raised, but this feature disappeared at the end of this period.
Dishes are the most representative of all Kraak shapes. There are several Kraak characteristics which could be taken into account for a classification of these dishes, but it is evident that the most distinctive feature is the border which, with one exception (Border II), always covers both cavetto and rim. The distinct border patterns found on Kraak dishes lend themselves to a classification of nine border groups.
Border I (c.1570-1625) and Border II (c.1565-1600) II
- represent a transition in which decorative styles and space arrangements, which were popular during the Jiajing period, continued to be used on a body which now fully complies with Kraak characteristics.
Border III (c.1580-1610)
Border IV (c.1575-1605)
Border V (c.1575-1615)
Borders I to V are generally assigned to the second half of the sixteenth century. As they are often present in Dutch collections, it is likely that some of these styles were still produced in the early years of the seventeenth century.
Border VI (c.1575-1605)
- shows the transition between sixteenth- and seventeenth-century styles.
Border VII.1 (c.1595-1610), Border VII.2 (c.1610-1630) and Border VII.3 (c.1630-1650),
- were produced in large quantities during the first half of the seventeenth century. Since specimens were recovered from both the Witte Leeuw (1613) and the Hatcher Cargo (1640-1645) and represent a thirty year spread, the noticeable evolution in style is embodied in three subgroups (1, 2 & 3).
Border VIII (c.1595-1645)
- was also produced in great numbers over a long period of time, but the decoration remained almost unchanged for several decades.
Border IX (c.1635-1650)
- shows the blending of typical kraak and Transitional styles.
(source: Rinaldi 1989, pp.72-117)
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011761
Saucer
China
1575-1615
Height 25 mm (0.98 inch), diameter of rim 138 mm (5.43 inch), diameter of footring 68 mm (2.68 inch), weight 132 grams (4.66 ounce (oz.))
Saucer on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird standing on a rock flanked by flowering plants beneath clouds in a marshy landscape, encircled by a single concentric band. On the sides and rim a moulded pattern of eight broad panels filled with peaches separated by eight narrow panels with beaded pendants. The reverse has a similar decorative scheme, the broad panels are filled with symbols or jewels and the narrow with elongated lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this saucer can be classified as a Border V saucer. Border V is characterized by large segments separated by narrow ones. The decoration is less crowded than on other groups. Each large section usually contains a dainty floral or fruit spray or insects, and allows plenty of undecorated space around the design. In the narrow sections there are only dots or a thinly-drawn knotted ribbon. The underside, following the inside pattern, is divided into large sections with symbols or jewels and narrow segments with lingzhi. These dishes are usually of small size, between 200 mm (7.87 inch) and 220 mm (8.66 inch) in diameter. There are also saucers of about 140 mm (5.51 inch) which, rather unusually, have a flat rim. These small dishes/saucers were found in some quantities in the cargo of the wreck of Dutch East India Company (VOC) vessel the Witte Leeuw (1613) but are not otherwise very common. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.88-89)
From the 8th century the cricket was used on markets in China in cricket-fights. In this way the cricket became a symbol of courage. This creature also symbolizes summer, The latter meaning seems to be the most suitable, because of the presence of the butterfly. If however, here a cicada (Latin for grasshopper) is depicted instead of a cricket the picture has a quite different meaning as the cicada symbolizes happiness and eternal youth. (Hartog 1990, p.38)
For similarly decorated saucers, please see:
- Het Chinese porselein in de collectie Frits Lugt / The Frits Lugt collection of Chinese porcelains, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer in Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 103/104, Lochem 1981), pp.67-68, cat. 73.
- The ceramic load of the "Witte Leeuw" (1613), (C.L. van der Pijl-Ketel, catalogue Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1982), p.81 inv.no: 5002.
- Pronken met Oosters Porselein, exhibition catalogue Gemeentemuseum Arnhem, (S. Hartog, Zwolle, 1990), p.38, cat. 6.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Kuala Lumpur, 2007), pp.218-219, Serial no. 2491.
Condition: Three glaze rough spots to the rim
References:
Lunsingh Scheurleer 1981, cat. 73
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 2491
Price: Sold.
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Object 2011235
Dish
China
1610-1630
Height 66 mm (2.60 inch), diameter of rim 372 mm (14.65 inch), diameter of footring 190 mm (7.48 inch), weight 1.292 grams (45.57 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a flower basket on a terrace with protruding roots growing from the base of the flower basket. The flower basket is filled with a book scroll and flowering peony and peach encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the rim and sides large panels filled with peaches and auspicious symbols alternate with narrow panels with tassels. On the reverse large panels filled with stylised pearls and dots alternate with narrow panels with stylised lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi his dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. The large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects and the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity. For the centre decoration a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The reverse decoration repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots, the narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
By placing the flower basket inside a garden fence, the decorator suggests a feeling of inner peace. The flower basket represents Lan Cai He, one of the Eight Immortals, patron Saint of gardeners and florists. The motif with the protruding roots mostly occurs in (very) large kraak plates. (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007)
This original Chinese kraak design apparently appealed to Europeans, various imitations like Dutch (Delft) and Japanese dishes were made. Jörg shows four different dishes with this particular design; the original Chinese kraak version, the Japanese and two Dutch Delftware imitations. (Jörg 2011/1, pp. 96-103)
For identically decorated dishes, please see;
- Porzellan aus China und Japan. Die Porzellangalerie der Landgrafen von Hessen-Kassel, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Kassel, Berlin 1990, p.229, cat. 11.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. S. Idrus, Kuala Lumpur 2007), pp. 169-179, cat. 4223.
Condition: A firing flaw to the exterior wall, three chips, two frits, two hairlines and some shallow glaze rough spots to the rim.
References:
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 4136d, 4580, 5097a, 5097c & 5097b
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011143
Dish
China
1610-1630
Height 62 mm (2.44 inch), diameter 365 mm (14.37 inch), diameter of footring 186 mm (7.32 inch), weight 1,462 grams (51.57 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with the sunflower motif and symbols alternating with narrow panels filled with knotted ribbon and a diaper or scale pattern. On the reverse large ogival or round panels filled with fungus and dots and narrow panels with lingzhi motifs.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre Medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
A design of a wild duck at a lotus pond signifies blessings for a fruitful marriage, since a marriage proposal was made by a man sending a duck to the woman's family as a present. Acceptance of the duck meant acceptance of the proposal. The lotus, shown in different stages of growth, symbolizes purity and abundant offspring by recalling the common phrase "from the lotus comes noble offspring". (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288, Serial No. 5095
For similarly decorated dishes with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, please see:
-
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 1 - Object 2010724.
- Kraak porcelain. A moment in the history of trade, (M. Rinaldi, Bamboo Publishing Ltd, London 1989), p.101, Pl.90.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Kuala Lumpur 2007), pp.170-171, Serial No. 2454
Condition: A fring flaw and two chips to the rim.
References:
Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105 & Pl.90 & Pl.93
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288 & Serial No. 2454 & 5095
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011133
Dish
China
1610-1630
Height 55 mm (2.17 inch), diameter 317 mm (12.48 inch), diameter of footring 165 mm (6.50 inch), weight, including the brass fame, 1,046 grams (36.89 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, encircled by an eight-pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with fruit and flower motifs and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels filled with dots and a diaper or scale pattern. On the reverse large ogival or round panels filled with fungus and dots and narrow panels with lingzhi motifs. Fitted in a custom-made brass frame engraved 'H.W. Kardolus Delft'.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre Medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
A design of a wild duck at a lotus pond signifies blessings for a fruitful marriage, since a marriage proposal was made by a man sending a duck to the woman's family as a present. Acceptance of the duck meant acceptance of the proposal. The lotus, shown in different stages of growth, symbolizes purity and abundant offspring by recalling the common phrase "from the lotus comes noble offspring". (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288, Serial No. 5095
For similarly decorated dishes with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, please see:
- Kraak porcelain. A moment in the history of trade, (M. Rinaldi, Bamboo Publishing Ltd, London 1989), p.101, Pl.90.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Kuala Lumpur 2007), pp.170-171, Serial No. 2454
-
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 1 - Object 2010724.
The dish is fitted in a custom-made brass fame that is engraved: 'H.W. Kardolus Delft'. H.W. Kardolus had an art dealing, framing and engraving business in the city of Delft where he worked from 1920 to 1950. This indicates that the brass frame was probably fitted to the dish somewhere in first half of the 20th century.
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Advertisment from H.W. Kardolus in 'Almanak van de Delftsche vrouwelijke studenten Vereeniging voor het jaar 1948'.
Condition: Three firing flaws, caused by the firing process, to the reverse, some shallow glaze rough spots to the rim and a shallow chip to the inner footring.
References:
Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105 & Pl.90 & Pl.93
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288 & Serial No. 2454 & 5095
Price: Sold.
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Object 2010509
Dish
China
Ming dynasty, Wanli/Tianqi period (1573-1627), ca. 1609-1625
Height 53 mm (2.09 inch), diameter 291 mm (11.46 inch), diameter of footring 151 mm (5.94 inch), weight 741 grams (26.14 ounce (oz.))
Dish with shallow rounded moulded sides, a flat , upturned bracket-lobed rim and low, V-shaped footring that slants slightly inwards. Decorated in underglaze blue with a crow perched on a rock besides a large blossoming peony branch and a crow approaching in flight beneath overhanging rocks and spirals of water, encircled by an eight-pointed star-shaped medallion surrounded by alternating scale and swastika-diaper patterns. The rounded sides and the flat, up-turned foliated rim are divided into eight wide and narrow radiating panels. The wide panels are alternately painted with peaches on a tall spray and auspicious symbols tied with ribbons; the narrow panels with three dots framed above and below by scale and swastika-diaper patterns. On the reverse seven panels enclosing roundels filled with a dot, separated by narrow radiating panels filled with stylized lingzhi-fungus The recessed base is covered with a thick white glaze. Coarse sand from the kiln adheres to areas of the fooring. (Welsh 2008, p.208)
This dish belongs to a group of kraak dishes, which are noted for their shallow rounded sides and flat up-turned bracket lobed rims with panelled decoration. The star-shaped medallion of this type of dish is usually decorated with naturalistic scenes depicting ducks in a pond beside large water plants, birds perched on rocks or flying beside large blossoming flowers, or insects hovering above large blossoming flowers and rocks. Othe common motifs are a bowl filled with flowers and auspicious symbols supported on a stans of gnarled roots or on low table or rocks or a wicker basket filled with flowers. Occasionally dishes of this type are decorated with landscape scenes depicting Daoist immortals.
The central design in these dishes is set within a star-shaped medallion almost invariably surrounded by alternating diaper patterns linked by ruyi-heads, including scale, swastika, trellis, hexagonal-diaper and white on blue flower scrolls. Occasionally the ruyi-heads that link the diaper patterns (or even the whole star-shaped medallion with the diaper patterns) are omitted.
The large panels of the cavetto and rim are typically filled with stylized peaches in a tall spray alternating with auspicious symbols, including Artemisia leaf, single or double-gourd bottles or a scroll tied with ribbons. The narrow panels of these dishes are decorated with dots, pending knotted ribbons or strings of pearls and jewels, framed by scale and swastika-diaper patterns.
The reverse is always sketchily painted with eight large ogival or rounded panels enclosing stylized lingzhi fungus and dots, separated by narrow radiating panels painted with vertical and curved horizontal lines, in accordance with the panelled division of the front.
The fact that dishes of this form and closely related decoration were found in the cargo of two vessels - the Dutch East Indiaman, the Mauritius, which sank on its return journey on March 19, 1609, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Guinea and also in the cargo of the Chinese junk, known as the Hatcher wreck, which sank in 1643 possibly on its way to Batavia - demonstrates that this type of dish was so popular that it continued being made for more than three decades. The later versions, however do show more deterioration on their painted design. (Welsh 2008, pp.208-211)
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre Medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
For similarly decorated dishes, please see:
Condition: Some small filled frits to the reverse rim, one with a short connected hairline.
References:
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, No. 4540
Welsh 2008, pp.208-211 & cat. 33
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011916
Dish
China
1610-1630
Height 58 mm (2.28 inch), diameter 290 mm (11.42 inch), diameter of footring 145 mm (5.71 inch), weight 774 grams (27.20 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with the sunflower motif and symbols alternating with narrow panels with a diaper or scale pattern and tassels. The scheme of the reverse repeats that of the front large panels filled with a dot within a larger circle alternate with narrow panels with stylised lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre Medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
A design of a wild duck at a lotus pond signifies blessings for a fruitful marriage, since a marriage proposal was made by a man sending a duck to the woman's family as a present. Acceptance of the duck meant acceptance of the proposal. The lotus, shown in different stages of growth, symbolizes purity and abundant offspring by recalling the common phrase "from the lotus comes noble offspring". (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288, Serial No. 5095
For similarly decorated dishes with the ducks-in-a-pond motif, please see:
- Japanese porcelain. A collector's guide to general aspects and decorative motifs, (P.L.W. Arts, Lochem 1983), p.36, Plate 8a.
- Kraak porcelain. A moment in the history of trade, (M. Rinaldi, Bamboo Publishing Ltd, London 1989), p.101, Pl.90.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Kuala Lumpur 2007), pp.170-171, Serial No. 2454
Condition: Two firing flaws and some shallow glaze rough spots, two frits and two chips to the rim.
References:
Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105 & Pl.90
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.288 & Serial No. 2454 & 5095
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012199
Dish
China
1620-1640
Height 33 mm (1.30 inch), diameter of rim 207 mm (8.15 inch), diameter of footring 118 mm (4.65 inch), weight 233 grams (8.22 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird of prey perched on a trunk of an overhanging pine tree within a bracket-lobed medallion. This central scene is reserved on a braided-pattern ground. On the sides and rim with large panels filled with peach sprays, flower sprays and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with a braided-pattern and a circle or lozenge shape between dots. On the underside large ogival or round panels filled with a circle or lozenge shape surrounded by dots alternating with narrow panels filled with lingzhi motifs.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre Medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
The motif of a bird of prey, in flight or on a rock, is also quite common in other types of kraak porcelain. The bird of prey (eagle) symbolises power, through its allusion to the bird's power and the longevity of pine trees, it conveys good wishes to an old man. These wishes are further emphasised by the peach, a symbol of immortality. (Jörg 2002/2, p.54)
A plate recovered from the wreck of the Spanish galleon, the San Diego, that sank on 14th December 1600 near Fortune Island in the Philippines has a somewhat similar depiction of a bird of prey. This demonstrates that the bird of prey motif was popular at the end of the 16th century and thus is found on a variety of shapes of kraak wares. (Vinhais & Welsh 2008, pp.89-90)
For other dishes decorated with a bird of prey (eagle), please see:
Condition: Three firing flaws, two frits, two chips and two frits with a connected hairline, all to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
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Object 2011068
Dish
China
1630-1650
Height 50 mm (1.97 inch), diameter of rim 275 mm (10.83 inch), diameter of footring 252 mm (9.92 inch)
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a cat fish (nien ju), which is identified by its barbells, it is depicted here among crested waves and flames, encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with peach and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with a diaper or scale pattern and tassels. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front, large ogival or round panels filled with fungus and dots alternating with narrow panels with lingzhi motifs
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.3 dish. Borders in this group show a great variety in their decorative motifs. The most common bears the sunflower motif alternating with large and simply drawn symbols. Dishes with similar border were found among the shards from the Portuguese São Gonçalo shipwreck (1630) in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.106-108)
The reproductive powers of the fish may also explain its popularity as a peasant motif, while the jumping element is indicative of academic success. This is due to the story about the fish which swim up the Yellow river every year, and which on their way must leap up the Dragon Gate Falls. Those that succeed in passing above the rapids are transformed into dragons. (Kerr 1986, p.79) Fish are among the earliest known subjects on Chinese ceramics appearing in the Neolithic period of the fifth to fourth millennium BC. Fish are rich in symbolic meanings. Because of the phonetic similarity between the word yu, meaning fish, and yu, meaning abundance, images of fish in Chine came to be considered emblematic of wealth and prosperity. The reproductive power of fish is regarded as a symbol of regeneration and fecundity. And because fish are thought to swim in pairs, they are reputed to be the emblem of the joys of union, particularly of the sexual kind. (Ströber 2011, p.102) The fish is a symbol of wealth and abundance. Although different species of fish are found on kraak dishes, it is overall a very rare motif.
For similarly decorated dishes, please see:
- Fine and Important Late Ming and Transitional Porcelain, recently recovered from an Asian vessel in the South China Sea. The Property of Captain Michael Hatcher. Auction catalogue Christie’s Amsterdam, 12 and 13 June 1984, pp.16-17, lot 137.
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Ministry of Culture Arts and Heritage, Malaysia, 2007), pp.190-191, Serial No. 2566.
Condition: One tiny firing hairline and two tiny, firing, glaze hairlines, a chip and some shallow unglazed rough spots all to the rim. Some frits and chips to the footring.
References:
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 2666, Serial no. 4136C, 4542A, 5095, 5096 and 5097A
Price: Sold.
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Object 2010591
Dish
China
1620-1640
Height 52 mm (2.05 inch), diameter of rim 288 mm (11.34 inch), diameter of footring 147 mm (5.79 inch)
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a cicada (Latin for grasshopper) on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering peonies and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with peach and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with a diaper pattern and dots. On the reverse broad panels filled rounded shapes and narrow panels with hastily-drawn lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.3 dish. Borders in this group show a great variety in their decorative motifs. The most common bears the sunflower motif alternating with large and simply drawn symbols. Dishes with similar border were found among the shards from the São Gonçalo. The seven broad panels filled rounded shapes on the reverse of this specific dish are unusual because most dishes of the border VII 3. type have no more than four to six circles / rounded shapes on the reverse. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.106-108)
A cicada symbolizes happiness and eternal youth. (Hartog 1990, p.38)
Condition: Two hairlines, a shallow glaze chip and some glaze fritting to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
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Object 2011911
Dish
China
1620-1640
Height 29 mm (1.14 inch), diameter of rim 208 mm (8.19 inch), diameter of footring 111 mm (4.37 inch), weight 287 grams (10.12 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Kiln sand adhering to the footring. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird perched on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering plants, rocks and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim with large panels filled with peach and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with dots. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front, large ogival or round panels filled with contain dots alternating with narrow panels with lingzhi motifs.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.2 dish. Here the large panels on the border are no longer filled with floral sprays or insects, while the peach has begun its transformation into what is known as the sunflower motif. Auspicious symbols replace floral sprays and insects, most of them concerned with longevity, as if to ward off the dangers of wars and famines which swept over China at that time. These symbols are usually Daoist or the Eight treasures. Buddhist symbols are much rarer. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs. In the centre medallion the ducks in a pond and the hanging basket are still very common. In this group a new motif appears: a bird on a rock near water and large flowers, usually peonies. The scheme of the underside repeats that of the front. Large ogival or round panels contain fungus and dots; narrow sections contain stylised lingzhi motifs. In this group narrow panels are partly filled with diaper motifs while there are a few dishes which do not have a diaper border around the central medallion. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.100-105)
Condition: Two firing flaw on the base and some very tiny shallow glaze rough spots to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes
Object 2010284
Dish
China
1640-1645
Height 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter of rim 320 mm (12.60 inch), diameter of footring 175 mm (6.89 inch)
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird perched on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering peonies and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with peach and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with a diaper pattern and dots. On the reverse broad panels with rounded shapes alternating with narrow panels with hastily-drawn lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.3 dish. Borders in this group show a great variety in their decorative motifs. The most common bears the sunflower motif alternating with large and simply drawn symbols. Dishes with similar border were found among the shards from the São Gonçalo. The seven broad panels filled rounded shapes on the reverse of this specific dish are unusual because most dishes of the border VII 3. type have no more than four to six circles / rounded shapes on the reverse. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.106-108)
Condition: Some very shallow glaze roough spots to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2010590
Dish
China
1640-1645
Height 52 mm (2.05 inch), diameter of rim 290 mm (11.42 inch), diameter of footring 163 mm (6.42 inch), weight 804 grams (28.36 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird perched on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering peonies and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with lingzhi alternating with dainty flowers alternating with narrow panels filled with a knotted ribbon between a swastika and scale pattern ground. On the reverse broad panels with rounded shapes alternating with narrow panels with hastily-drawn lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.3 dish. Borders in this group show a great variety in their decorative motifs. The most common bears the sunflower motif alternating with large and simply drawn symbols. Dishes with similar border were found among the shards from the São Gonçalo. The seven broad panels filled rounded shapes on the reverse of this specific dish are unusual because most dishes of the border VII 3. type have no more than four to six circles / rounded shapes on the reverse. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.106-108)
Dishes decorated on the sides with large panels filled with lingzhi alternating with dainty flowers alternating with narrow panels filled with a knotted ribbon between a swastika and scale pattern ground can be found amongst the cargo salvaged from the Hatcher Cargo (1640-45), for an example, please see:
Condition: A firing flaw an a chip to the footring, some very shallow glaze rough spots, a fleabite and a chip to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011144
Dish
China
1640-1645
Height 50 mm (1.97 inch), diameter of rim 283 mm (11.14 inch), diameter of footring 150 mm (5.91 inch), weight 735 grams (25.93 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, slightly scalloped flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird perched on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering peonies and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim large panels filled with peach and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow panels with a diaper pattern and dots. On the reverse broad panels with rounded shapes alternating with narrow panels with hastily-drawn lingzhi.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a Border VII.3 dish. Borders in this group show a great variety in their decorative motifs. The most common bears the sunflower motif alternating with large and simply drawn symbols. Dishes with similar border were found among the shards from the São Gonçalo. The seven broad panels filled rounded shapes on the reverse of this specific dish are unusual because most dishes of the border VII 3. type have no more than four to six circles / rounded shapes on the reverse. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.106-108)
Condition: Firing flaws to the vase and inner footring and some very tiny fleabites and a very shallow glaze rough spot to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2010961
Dish
China
1615-1630
Height 39 mm (1.54 inch), diameter of rim 210 mm (8.27 inch), diameter of footring 112 mm (4.41 inch), weight 299 grams (10.55 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a vase filled with flowers and a flower pot on a low table filled with flowering plants, both in front of a garden surrounded by a scale and geometric border and encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim eight round, or onion shaped, medallions filled with sunflowers and auspicious symbols. In between the medallions a single looped bow. On the reverse eight wide panels filled with lines and dots. The footring has been pierced.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 130 mm (5.12 inch) to 200 mm (7.87 inch) in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footrim. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)
The theme of the centre decoration is 'to be blessed with peace all year round'. The sentiment comes from the depiction of flowers from the four seasons (plum, orchid, lotus and chrysanthemum) and the fact that the word for vase and the first character in the Chinese term for 'well and peaceful' are pronounced the same. The character for four seasons means 'all year round'. (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, p.290, Serial No. 409)
A hole has been drilled in the very short footring in order to fit a wire through it - the traditional Dutch way to hang dishes on walls as display pieces. (Rinaldi 1989, p.137)
A similarly shaped and decorated dish was excavated from the wreck of the Wanli shipwreck, 1625, its cargo included many pieces of kraak porcelain in a wealth of varieties. (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, pp.198-199, Serial No. 407 & 409)
The Japanese refer to these dishes as 'meisande' 'and to the panelled style as 'fuyoda'. Numerous dishes of this type were found in the Banda (wrecked 1615) but do not occur in the Ardebil collection, which was completed before 1611. (Pijl-Ketel 1982, p.83)
For a similarly decorated dish, please see:
- The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & S. Lok Lok bt. Syed Idrus, Kuala Lumpur, 2007), pp.198-199, Serial no. 407.
Condition: A firing flaw to the centre. Some shallow glaze rough spots and a frit to the rim.
References:
Rinaldi 1989, p.137 & pp.190-111
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 407 & 409
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2012341
Small dish
China
1610-1630
Height 32 mm (1.26 inch), diameter of rim 140 mm (5.51 inch), diameter of footring 73 mm (2.87 inch), weight 133 grams (4.69 ounce (oz.))
A small, thinly potted and slightly warped saucer dish with flared sides, an up-turned bracket-lobed rim and low, V-shaped footring that slants slightly inwards. It is painted in deep shades of cobalt blue beneath a bright white glaze with a bluish tinge. The central eight-pointed star-shaped medallion painted with a thick blue band is decorated with a white hare seated with his head turned upwards gazing at the moon in front of a blue rock among flowering plants and grasses, all rather crudely painted within thin lines and washes of paint. The gently rounded cavetto is faintly moulded with eight teardrop-shaped medallions and radial bands alternately painted with stylized peach sprays and auspicious objects, each connected by a single looped C-scroll below the rim. The reverse is similarly decorated in deep blue with thin line dividing it into eight segments each with a group of five dots, framed within thin blue lines and a blue line encircling the footring. The recessed base and underside are covered with a brilliant bluish-white glaze, Coarse sand from the kiln adheres to an area of the central medallion and minute areas of the footring. (Welsh 2008, p.108)
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight-pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 13 to 20 cm in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footring. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)
The central motif of this dish, depicting a white hare gazing at the moon, first appeared on blue and white wares of the Ming dynasty. It is frequently found on Jiajing period (1522-1566) dishes, as seen on a dish in the collection of the Santos Palace in Lisbon (inv.no.41). An identical depiction of the hare with its head turned upwards, but gazing at a bird of prey instead of the moon, is shown on a Jiajing dish in the Topkapi Saray Museum in Istanbul (inv.no.TKS 15/3213). The hare gazing at the moon motif also occurred on blue and white Wanli imperial wares, as evidenced on a saucer dish from the collection of Sir Percival David (inv.no. PDF A676)
The motif of the white hare staring at the moon is a fable associated with Daoism as it was on the moon that the hare ground the eliixer of immortality with a pestle and mortar. Thus the hare (tu-z), sometimes called 'jade-hare', is a symbol of longevity. It is the forth creature in the Chinese zodiac. A comparable saucer dish depicting a similar hare seated in front of peach sprays within a border of alternating peach sprays, flowers, and auspicious symbols, was one of a number of kraak saucer dishes of this form recovered from the Dutch East Indiaman, the Banda, which foundered on a reef on March 6, 1615 off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean on its return journey to Holland. (Welsh 2008, p.110)
For an identically shaped, sized and similarly decorated saucer dish, please see:
Condition: A restored chip with a connected hairline to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 201079
Small dish
China
1595-1645
Height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 140 mm (5.51 inch), diameter of footring 75 mm (2.95 inch), weight 115 grams (4.06 ounce (oz.))
Small dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a cicada (Latin for grasshopper) on a rock next to a peach encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides and rim eight round, or onion shaped, medallions, decorated with peaches and auspicious symbols, in between each medallion a single looped bow. On the reverse eight broad panels with symbols or jewels and lines.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 13 to 20 cm in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footrim. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)
Condition: Two firing flaws to the centre and a very tiny fleabite to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2010646
Small dish
China
1595-1645
Height 34 mm (1.34 inch), diameter of rim 140 mm (5.51 inch), diameter of footring 68 mm (2.68 inch), weight 110 grams (3.888 ounce (oz.))
Small dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a duck-in-a-pond next to a flowering chrysanthemum encircled by an eight-pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides eight round, or onion shaped, medallions, filled with peaches alternating with precious symbols. In between each medallion a single looped bow. On the reverse eight broad panels with lingzhi alternating with flowering sunflower. (Pijl-Ketel 1982, pp.270-283)
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight-pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 130 mm (5.11 inch) to 200 mm (7.87 inch) in diameter. Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footrim. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)
Condition: Some shallow glaze rough spots and a firing flaw with a short connected hairline to the rim to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 201080
Dish
China
1615-1630
Height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 146 mm (5.75 inch), diameter of footring 72 mm (2.84 inch)
Small dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a flying butterfly and a bird perched on a rock in a marshy landscape with flowering plants and clouds encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On sides and rim eight round or onion shaped medallions, each filled with peaches, in between each medallion a single looped bow. On the reverse six broad panels filled with lines and dots.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 130 mm (5.11 inch) to 200 mm (7.87 inch) in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the foot rim. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots.
Condition: A firing flaw, a small chip and some very tiny fleabites all to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2
Object 2011243
Small dish
China
1595-1645
Height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 145 mm (5.71 inch), diameter of footring 81 mm (3.19 inch), weight 126 grams (4.44 ounce (oz.))
Small dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a cricket, emblem of courage and symbol of summer, perched on a rock next to a flowering peony, king of flowers, symbol of spring, with clouds and two other flying insects, encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides eight round, or onion shaped, medallions decorated with peach, and auspicious symbols. In between each medallion a single looped bow. On the reverse eight broad panels with symbols or jewels and lines.
According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 13 to 20 cm in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footring. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)
The central design depicted on this saucer is of the 'spring time and longevity' theme that was popular in the Ming dynasty. It is portrait by a landscape of rock, insects (e.g. bees, butterflies, crickets, cicadas) and flowers (e.g. camellia, sunflower, rose, chrysanthemum, peony). The insects are vibrant life forms; a rock stands for longevity; and the flowers are spring blossoms. Altogether, the design expresses a wish for youth, health and longevity. (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, pp. 238-239)
For an identically decorated dish, please see;
Condition: A shallow glaze chip to the rim.
References:
Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 2479 & Serial No. 1440
Price: Sold.
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