17th Century Chinese Wanli Period Kraak Porcelain Plate with Figures

A significant example of Chinese export porcelain, specifically 'Kraak' ware, dating to the late Ming Dynasty (Wanli period). This large plate features a central medallion with figures in a landscape, surrounded by a characteristic paneled border with alternating floral and figural motifs.

Chinese Blue and White 'Kraak' Porcelain Plate, Wanli Period

Kraak porcelain plate (Dish)

Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

Good antique condition

Figural landscape with paneled 'Kraak' style borders

A large circular porcelain plate with a foliated (scalloped) rim. The interior is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue. The central medallion depicts two scholars or sages in a rocky river landscape. The wide rim is divided into eight large radiating panels containing alternating floral sprays and figures, separated by narrow vertical bands featuring tassels and geometric patterns. The reverse side features stylized peach and flower panels typical of the period.

• •Frontal view showing full decoration and scalloped rim
• •Reverse view showing paneling and foot rim
• •Close-up of central medallion showing brushwork
• •Profile view showing the depth and rim profile

• •Characteristic 'mushikui' (moth-eaten) fritting along the rim edge
• •Presence of kiln grit and sand on the unglazed foot rim
• •Minor surface scratches consistent with age
• •Small firing pinholes and iron spots (natural to the period)

While the Kraak style was imitated in the later Kangxi period and by Japanese Arita kilns, the specific clay body and firing flaws here are diagnostic of the Wanli period.

Late Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (c. 1573–1620)

• •Scalloped rim and thin potting characteristic of late 16th/early 17th century export ware
• •Specific 'Kraak' panel arrangement popularized for the European market
• •Presence of kiln sand on the base, a hallmark of Wanli period firing techniques
• •Style of the figures' robes and the landscape rendering

This piece aligns perfectly with Kraak porcelain recovered from early 17th-century shipwrecks, such as the 'San Diego' (1600) or the 'Witte Leeuw' (1613).

• •None observed; the wear patterns and manufacturing artifacts are consistent with 400+ years of age

Modern reproductions often have perfectly clean foot rims or artificially induced wear that lacks the organic nature of the fritting seen here.

As is standard for Kraak export ware, there is no reign mark on the base. The quality of the potting and decoration serves as the primary identifier.

• •Natural rim fritting (mushikui) caused by the glaze shrinking away from the thin rim
• •Radiating chatter marks on the base from the potter's wheel
• •Adhered kiln grit on the foot rim, typical of Jingdezhen production of this era
• •Silvery-blue tone of the cobalt with slight 'heaping and piling' effect

Kraak porcelain represents the first truly global trade commodity, manufactured in Jingdezhen specifically for export to Europe via the Portuguese and Dutch East India Companies (VOC).

The term 'Kraak' is derived from the Portuguese ships (Carracks) that first transported these wares to Europe.

Large plates (over 30cm) with figural decoration are highly prized by collectors of Chinese export ceramics and maritime history.

This estimate is for insurance or informational purposes and is based on recent auction results for similar items.

• •Size: 31cm is a desirable 'large' size for this form.
• •Subject matter: Figural scenes are more sought after than standard bird-and-flower motifs.
• •Condition: The lack of major cracks or repairs is a significant value driver.

• •Sotheby's: Similar 31cm Kraak plates have recently sold in the $1,800 - $3,500 range.
• •Christie's: Examples with figural central medallions typically command a 20-30% premium over purely floral examples.
• •Regional Auctions: Good examples often fetch between $1,200 and $2,000.

• •Obtain a formal written appraisal for insurance purposes.
• •Examine the plate under a UV (black) light to confirm the absence of professional restoration or hairline cracks.

• •Handle with clean hands, supporting the weight from the base rather than the fragile rim.
• •Clean only with a soft, dry cloth or distilled water if necessary; avoid detergents.
• •Display in a stable environment away from direct sunlight or high-traffic areas.

An authentic and well-preserved example of late Ming Dynasty Kraak porcelain, representing a key moment in the history of global trade and ceramic art.

• •Chinese Ceramics Department at Sotheby's or Christie's
• •Specialists in Chinese Export Porcelain (e.g., Jorge Welsh Works of Art)