What is Swatow ware ceramic production?

Swatow ware, also known as Zhangzhou ware, refers to regional Chinese export ceramics produced predominantly in Fujian province during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Named after the port of Shantou (Swatow) from where items were shipped, these ceramics were crafted primarily for Southeast Asian, Japanese, and European trade networks.

What materials and methods were used in crafting Swatow chargers?

These chargers were formed from coarse porcelain clay and painted using freehand underglaze cobalt blue decoration before being covered in a transparent or slightly opaque glaze. Kiln construction required placing dishes on beds of coarse sand, which characteristically fused to the unglazed foot rims during high-temperature firing.

How do specialists identify authentic seventeenth-century Swatow porcelain?

Authentic pieces typically exhibit spontaneous, rapid brushwork depicting motifs such as phoenixes, dragons, or landscapes, alongside a visible unglazed ring in the interior basin where stacked dishes sat in the kiln. Sand or grit encrustation adhering to the foot rim and base is a primary physical signature of this regional production.

How can an antique Chinese porcelain dish be styled in a contemporary interior?

Large historic dishes are frequently mounted on plate stands atop console tables, sideboards, or within open shelving displays to highlight their painterly motifs. Alternatively, secure wall mounting hardware allows these circular forms to serve as sculptural focal points in dining rooms or entrance halls.

What are the recommended methods for cleaning and preserving underglaze porcelain?

Glazed underglaze ceramics should be dusted regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth and cleaned sparingly using warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. Abrasive cleaners, harsh chemical solvents, and sudden temperature shifts should be strictly avoided to preserve the integrity of historic glazes and body clays.

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Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Name: Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1216731
Price: 335 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish c. 1640 AD

Brief Description:

Late Ming Dynasty, c. 1640 AD, Zhangzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province, China

A mesmerising large Swatow (Zhangzhou) ware porcelain dish, beautifully decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with bold, freely painted phoenix birds and floral sprays, encircled by sketchy concentric bands. The painterly execution is vigorous and spontaneous, exemplifying the dynamic brushwork typical of Swatow wares. At the centre, a distinctive bisquited brown band provides contrast and textural depth. The reverse bears a concentric border adorned with small floral motifs.

Produced in the coastal kilns of Zhangzhou, particularly around Pinghe County, Swatow ware represents a distinctive body of late Ming export porcelain made primarily for the Southeast Asian trade. Important kiln sites include Da Long and Er Long in Wuzhai, and Huazai Lou in Nansheng. Archaeological evidence suggests production between c. 1575 and 1650, with peak activity around 1620.

Swatow ware is celebrated for its rustic charm and expressive spontaneity—often coarsely potted, under-fired, and bearing kiln grit on the glaze foot. These pieces were fired in dragon kilns (lung-yao) and produced in small-scale workshops, far removed from the industrial precision of Jingdezhen. Wheel-thrown or mould-formed, their decoration in underglaze blue cobalt remains one of the most evocative expressions of Ming folk artistry.

Excellent condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Footring has kiln grits.

Attributes:

Chinese

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Circa: 1640

Porcelain

Condition:

Excellent condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Footring has kiln grits.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 2.4'' | 6 cm

Width: 11.1'' | 28.1 cm

Depth: 11.1'' | 28.1 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

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Physical Dimensions

Height

6cm (2.36")

Width

28.1cm (11.06")

Depth

28.1cm (11.06")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Ming Dynasty Porcelain Charger to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1216731

Dealers Notes

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Description

Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish c. 1640 AD

Brief Description:

Late Ming Dynasty, c. 1640 AD, Zhangzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province, China

A mesmerising large Swatow (Zhangzhou) ware porcelain dish, beautifully decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with bold, freely painted phoenix birds and floral sprays, encircled by sketchy concentric bands.

“

The painterly execution is vigorous and spontaneous, exemplifying the dynamic brushwork typical of Swatow wares.

Artsonline

At the centre, a distinctive bisquited brown band provides contrast and textural depth. The reverse bears a concentric border adorned with small floral motifs.

fig 1. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 1. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Produced in the coastal kilns of Zhangzhou, particularly around Pinghe County, Swatow ware represents a distinctive body of late Ming export porcelain made primarily for the Southeast Asian trade. Important kiln sites include Da Long and Er Long in Wuzhai, and Huazai Lou in Nansheng. Archaeological evidence suggests production between c. 1575 and 1650, with peak activity around 1620.

fig 2. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 2. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Swatow ware is celebrated for its rustic charm and expressive spontaneity—often coarsely potted, under-fired, and bearing kiln grit on the glaze foot. These pieces were fired in dragon kilns (lung-yao) and produced in small-scale workshops, far removed from the industrial precision of Jingdezhen. Wheel-thrown or mould-formed, their decoration in underglaze blue cobalt remains one of the most evocative expressions of Ming folk artistry.

fig 3. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 3. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Excellent condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Footring has kiln grits.

Attributes:

Chinese

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Circa: 1640

Porcelain

Condition:

Excellent condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Footring has kiln grits.

fig 4. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 4. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 2.4'' | 6 cm

Width: 11.1'' | 28.1 cm

Depth: 11.1'' | 28.1 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

fig 5. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 5. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

fig 6. A large circular Ming Dynasty Swatow porcelain charger displaying hand-painted grey-blue phoenix motifs around an unglazed central ring. — fig 6. Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Charger Dish C. 1640 Ad

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.