Plate with a sketchy underglaze-blue decoration of a person by a fence, the moon and clouds in the sky. On the rim a shell, a parasol, a flaming pearl and a fan.
Detailed description
The southern Chinese port Swatow in Guangdong Province was earlier regarded as the export centre for a certain type of ceramic, which was named after the port. It is now known that Swatow ware was manufactured in various kilns in Fujian and Guangdong Provinces and was exported from other ports as well. This group is difficult to categorise because of its many variants. A general characteristic is their functionality for frequent use. Common shapes include large plates and dishes, bowls and jars, made of thick stoneware or porcelain. They were not always carefully shaped and are often decorated with a nonchalant way. They usually have some kiln-sand adhering to the carelessly glazed base.
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