This remarkable blue and white stoneware charger is a fine example of South Chinese export ceramics, most likely produced in the Zhangzhou (Swatow) kilns of Fujian province, during the late Ming Dynasty (ca. 1550–1650). Its characteristic thick body, loosely painted cobalt decoration, and prominent foot ring are all hallmarks of these kilns, which catered to Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern markets.
The central motif features a stylized vessel overflowing with foliage and peonies, surrounded by a loose arrangement of floral sprays in deep cobalt blue. The reverse shows heavy firing grit and kiln scars typical for Swatow ware, along with heavy glaze crazing and iron-rich stoneware clay visible at the unglazed foot.
Painted in expressive, spontaneous brushwork, the piece evokes the free-hand aesthetic associated with Swatow production, prized for its rustic charm and powerful visual impact.
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• Era: Late Ming Dynasty (circa 1600)
Details:
• Origin: Zhangzhou (Swatow), Fujian province, China
• Material: Stoneware with hand-painted cobalt underglaze
• Dimensions: Ø: 24 cm / 9.3 in
• Condition: Authentic antique condition with signs of age. Glaze wear, heavy surface crazing, minor edge losses, and manufacturing flaws typical for Swatow ware. No restorations.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
