Omschrijving | At the end of the Ming dynasty, from approximately the third quarter of the 16th to the second quarter of the 17th centuries, a new style of blue and white export porcelain was made in vast quantities at provincial (privately-owned) kilns in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. This distinctive blue and white porcelain, commonly known in the west as kraak, quickly became the largest and most varied group of export porcelain wares manufactured throughout the reigns of Wanli (1573-1620), Tianqi (1621-1627) and Chongzhen (1628-1644). Kraak porcelain is of particular historical importance because it is the first Jingdezhen blue and white export porcelain that was mass-produced and shipped in large quantities around the world. The introductory articles of this catalogue cover important archaeological discoveries of kraak porcelain in Jiangxi province; the technical characteristics, material qualities and decoration of kraak wares; the archaeological evidence of the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch trade; the special commissions and collecting of kraak porcelain; and, the underwater recoveries from datable shipwrecks. A brief discussion on kraak porcelain imitations (tin-glazed earthenware and porcelain) is also included. Fifty-nine porcelains, including some exceptional and rare pieces, representing various types of kraak wares are comprehensively studied, discussed and illustrated in this catalogue. |
