Japan, large blue and white porcelain charger, 17th century

Large Japanese Arita blue and white “kraak”-style deep charger, second half of the 17th century, decorated with a central medaillon showing peonies and a scroll in a tripod vase, within a border of alternating panels of flowers and leaves.
Dishes with panelled borders were mass-produced in China for export to the Middle East and Europe from 1570 onwards. The trade was conducted at first by Portuguese and then by Dutch merchants, who called them « Kraak porcelain ». After the Ming dynasty fell in 1644, Chinese production collapsed and the Dutch turned to the Arita kilns of Japan for substitutes.
Excellent condition.
Japan, Edo period, second half of the 17th century, circa 1660-80
38,2 x 6,2 cm