A Ming Wanli Kraak Blue and White Porcelain Klapmuts Bowl

A Wanli Kraak Porcelain Klapmuts Bowl, Wanli (1573-1620) c.1590 – 1610, Jingdezhen Kilns. This shallow Ming klapmuts from the Wanli period, is decorated with a bright, rather clear cobalt blue. The design on the everted rim is unusual for Kraak porcelain, it consists of a repeated flower and rock design, without the interruption of borders. The central design in the well is typical of Kraak ware, with a bird on a rock among peony and other plants. The moulded cavetto has pointed oval panels with precious objects. The back similarly decorated, the base has a partly visible European inscription. “In the past scholars postulated various theories concerning the origins of the word Kraak, which came to be commonly used in the West in the twentieth century. The earliest textual evidence known thus far of the use of the term ‘carracke’ refers to dishes which, in all probability, were Kraak porcelain dates to 1596. An ECA Orhans Court inventory from Exeter, England, dating to November of that year mentions that the apothecary Thomas Baskerville left ‘6 Carracke’ dishes.” Teresa Canape (see References). For more information about Kraak Ware porcelain you can go to the History section of our website-menu, or click on the link: Kraak Ware Porcelain.   See Below For More Photographs and Information.