Deep Dish made for export, c. 1600
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Porcelain with underglaze blue decor (Swatow ware)expand_more
Gift of funds from the Asian Art Council in memory of Thirza Clevelandexpand_more 97.91.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Most Chinese wares destined for export are more roughly made and simply decorated than the high end domestic wares and imperial porcelain. Swatow, one of the best known export wares of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, was named after the port city, north of Canton, on the South China coast where it was assumed, erroneously, to have been exported from. This was, however, the region of China where the "scholars of Kwangtung" who had befriended Matteo Ricci first suggested he make a map of the various countries he had passed through in coming to China. The region was well known for the export of blue-and-white porcelain to Southeast Asia and Europe, and this sort of popular ware would have been familiar to Ricci.
By 1600, China was adept at bartering for goods she needed from abroad with porcelain. As a Dutch trader recorded in 1598:
Those merchants of China trafficke with these islands and bring thither al sorts of commodities out of their country, as al silkes, cottons, porseleynes...and al curious things that may be found.
Details
- Title
- Deep Dish made for export
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 97.91.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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