Charger - Porcelain - Chinese - Large (d.42,5 cm) - Portuguese trading vessels, sea monster, maps and armorials - China - Wanli (1573-1619)

A rare and important antique Chinese porcelain large deep large plate, painted to the centre with a marine rose radiating lines, two large cargo ships under sail on either side, and a giant fish-like sea monster emerging from waves opposite a mountainous landscape with ornamental gates to the foreground, the cavetto with cartouches framing emblematic patterns in opposite pairs, one pair flanked by long tailed birds, divided by tassled hangings on grounds reserved with white cross motifs The ships depicted here are Portuguese trading vessels. The designs in the cavetto relate to European coats of arms and may be interpreted as pseudo-armorial devices. It is likely that the design originated in a foreign print, probably a map or study of boats at sea. Handcrafted in ancient China during the Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1572-1620) . Guaranteed original and of the stated period. Diameter: 42,5 centimeter A similar one (of lesser quality painting) was sold at Christie’s London (19 june 2003) , lot 601 https: //www. christies. com/en/lot/lot-4125687 for GBP 8,225. 00 A large shard from this type of vessel and two similar whole dishes are in the Princessehof Museum, Leeuwarden. Further examples are in the British Museum, private Mottahedeh Collection and in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo. Literature: 'Ming Ceramics in the British Museum', J. Harrisson-Hall, p. 322. Condition: The object is in fair condition: restored (one section on the rim, chips, hairlines and baking flaws) . The condition is carefully checked with strong UV-light and bright translucent white light. Shipping method: This lot will be securely packed and shipped with insurance, without stand. Buy multiple lots from this seller and save on shipping costs, for multiple lots you’ll pay the shipping costs only once.