A 17th Century Japanese Kraakware Porcelain Charger

A blue and white porcelain kraakware charger, the rim with panelled decorated, the centre painted with stylised birds and foliage.

Hairline crack to central section.

It is believed that Kraakware owes its name to a certain type of Portuguese sailing ship (called carrack) which was used to transport early porcelain from China to Europe. Most often, Kraakware is almost entirely painted in a cobalt blue underglaze. First pieces were produced as early as the Wanli period (1573-1620) and, due to their decorative value, they are often included in Dutch still life pictures.

This piece is a Japanese imitation of a Chinese Kraakware design. The blue glazes are darker than on Chinese examples and the density of the porcelain also differs. This piece displays how Asian potteries looked to one another for inspiration and to compete in attracting European business.