A rare blue and white late Ming 'kraak porselein' saucer dish  - circa 1595-1605

Finely painted to the large central medallion with a reclining horse wearing a saddle cloth, the well and wavy flat rim decorated with fan-shaped panels enclosing alternately flowers and insects, the reverse with alternate panels of peach and insects, the base with an egret mark, minor rim frittings. 20.8 cm. diam. Price Realized : €33,850

Notes: The egret mark has been recorded on about forty-five pieces of 'kraak' ware, and are generally of a better quality than the average pieces, which may support the viewpoint that they were produced in one particular kiln. Within this group, seventeen dishes with this particular border design are recorded. However, none of them are decorated with a horse. For a discussion on this type of dishes, see M. Rinaldi, Kraak Porselein, A Moment in the History of Trade, London, 1989, pp. 200-202, pl. 264.

Christie's Amsterdam. 20 - 21 May 2008. ASIAN ART