Pair of Karak dishes China Ming dynasty, WANLI (1573-1619)

Pair of small ‘Karak’ or ‘Kraak’ porcelain dishes decorated in blue underglaze on a white ground with flowered jardinières in the centre framed by precious objects or scholars, peaches of longevity, flowers and scales in reserves.
Ming dynasty
WANLI period ( 1573 - 1619 )
Diameter 28.5 cm

Karak’ or “Kraak” porcelain dishes take their name from the Portuguese merchant ships known as carracks (or naus), which were among the first to introduce this type of porcelain to Europe in the 16th century. Produced under the Ming dynasty, particularly during the Wanli period, these pieces were specially designed for export, to suit the tastes of foreign markets. Their detailed decorations, combining floral motifs, symbols of longevity and Chinese cultural elements, reflect a skilful balance between Chinese tradition and adaptation to the expectations of European collectors, marking the start of a world trade in porcelain that was to be a resounding success.