Leilão Bidspirit | A LARGE CHINESE BLUE AND

A LARGE CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN PHOENIX DISH, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644). A Swatow (or Zhangzhou) porcelain dish coated in a thick glaze decorated in underglaze blue. The pattern features a standing phoenix surrounded by foliage and blossoms which include the peony and bamboo, the phoenix symbolising peace and prosperity, the peony riches, love, affection and beauty and the bamboo longevity. The underside is decorated with simple blue rings. This dish was recovered from an unnamed shipwreck by Captain Michael Hatcher of ”Hatcher Cargo” fame. Ming Dynasty, Wanli Reign (1573 - 1620). There are still some small sea-growths adhering to the surface and the glaze is a little stained from long submersion in seawater. 26.25 cm diam. (10.25 inches). Good condition with no restoration or repair.