Chinese Ming Wanli Kraak Charger 16th Century

A very large hand-painted and hand-thrown porcelain charger from the late Ming Period.

 

The thinly potted porcelain charger has been painted with alternating panels of flowers and precious objects on the cavetto, and a pair of geese in a lake with lotus in the well. The designs are painted with an underglaze cobalt. The cobalt is a nice dark blue and the white has a blueish tinge to it.

 

The foot is unglazed and has kiln grit adhering to it. The base is glazed and shows chatter marks. The dish is unmarked.

 

 

12 5/8” 32.1 cm) diameter x 2 ¼” (5.7 cm) tall. Weighs 2 lbs 3.0 oz (990 g)

 

 

The rim of the charger sagged in one spot during firing which created a point of stress where it subsequently broke.  A piece of the rim that broke off was reattached and a sliver that was lost was filled in. Despite the repair, the charger still rings like a bell. The charger has other kiln flaws, such as bumps, spots, and painting mistakes.

 

An amazing very large Ming charger that will add richness and age to your collection or room décor.