Kraak Porcelain: The Rise of Global Trade in the Late 16th and Early 17th Centuries [first edition]

At the end of the Ming dynasty, a new style of blue and white export porcelain was made at provincial kilns in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. This distinctive blue and white porcelain, commonly known in the west as kraak, quickly became the largest and most varied group of export porcelain wares manufactured throughout the reigns of Wanli (1573-1620), Tianqi (1621-1627) and Chongzhen (1628-1644). The introductory articles of this catalogue cover important archaeological discoveries of kraak porcelain in Jiangxi province; the technical characteristics, material qualities and decoration of kraak wares; and, the underwater recoveries from datable shipwrecks. Fifty-nine porcelains, including some exceptional and rare pieces, are comprehensively studied, discussed and illustrated in this catalogue. Introduction and entries by Teresa Canepa.