Ming Dynasty Swatow Ware Porcelain Bowl

Late Ming Dynasty, c. 1630 AD, Zhangzhou prefecture, Fujian province, China.

This fascinating Swatow ware porcelain bowl, crafted in the early 17th century during the late Ming dynasty, exemplifies the bold and expressive artistry of Zhangzhou kilns in Fujian province. Swatow ware, named after the port through which much of it was exported, was primarily produced for the Southeast Asian market and is known for its distinctive, free-spirited aesthetic. Unlike the refined porcelains of Jingdezhen, Swatow pieces were often coarsely potted, under-fired, and decorated in a spontaneous, almost calligraphic manner.

This exceptional bowl features a loosely painted abstract design in a grayish-blue underglaze, showcasing the dynamic brushwork characteristic of Swatow ware. The cobalt decoration, applied with a fluid and unrestrained hand, lends the piece a sense of movement and energy. Concentric bands encircle the reverse, adding balance to the overall composition. The glaze, as seen in many Swatow pieces, has minor grit adhesions from the kiln, a testament to the more rustic and informal production techniques employed in the small-scale dragon kilns of Zhangzhou.

Swatow ware was made in a variety of forms and decorative styles, with some pieces featuring polychrome overglaze enamels, but the blue-and-white wares remain among the most iconic. Valued for their raw, expressive beauty, these ceramics stand as a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of Ming dynasty porcelain production. This bowl, with its lively design and historical significance, is a remarkable collector’s item, embodying the bold spirit of Swatow ware.

Good condition.Wear commensurate with age and use. Incised chinese characters probably from later period. Small chip in the rim. Footring has kiln grits. Fritting and glazing flaws. Size approx. 18,3cm x 18,3cm x 7,8cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

The Ceramic Trade Across the South China Sea c. AD 1350-1650, Barbara Harrisson, Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 76, No. 1, 2003, pp. 99-114.

Swatow, Barbara Harrisson, Publisher: Museum het Princessehof, Leeuwarden, 1979.

The Wares of the Transitional Period between the Ming and the Ch'Ing 1620-1683, Soame Jenyns, Archives of the Chinese Art Society of America, Published By: Duke University Press, Vol. 9, 1955, pp. 20-42.

Zhangzhou (Swatow) Ceramics. Sixteenth to Seventeenth Centuries Found In Indonesia, Sumarah Adhyatman, Publisher: The Ceramic Society of Indonesia, 1999.