Large 16th Century Ming Chinese Swatow Plate w Rare Red and Green Phoenix Motif

Freshly sourced from our recent buying trip in SE Asia, these lovely mid to late Ming dynasty Swatow or Zhangzhou ware plates are highly collectible pieces. Circa 16th century, a similar plate from a shipwreck can be seen in the Western Australian Museum collection.

This particular plate is a large statement piece, almost a shallow dish in form. It features a very rare and highly desirable phoenix central motif with loosely drawn peonies. The motif of this depicts the soaring phoenix, with an unusual almost pheasant-like eye shape and form. 

Featuring red and green overglaze enamels, this and the freehand exuberant style would have appealed to the export market these wares were intended for such as Vietnam and Indonesia. With a loosely illustrated border, these pieces are becoming increasingly desirable, particularly among collectors of Straits, SE Asian porcelain, or Chinese ceramics that are slightly different from the norm.

Price marked at AUD$880.

Measurements: Approx 21cm diameter, 4.2 cm high. 

Condition: Overall good condition for a piece of this age, with wear commensurate with age and use of Swatow porcelain. Firing flaws and kiln grit commensurate with Swatow ware. 

Shipwreck Porcelain example

https://museum.wa.gov.au/maritime-archaeology-db/artefacts/abb4267-ceramics