Swatow Porcelain Plate, Shipwreck Find, China, 17th Century

This authentic Swatow porcelain plate originates from the late Ming Dynasty (17th century) and was recovered from an unidentified shipwreck.

It displays the hallmark hand-painted underglaze blue decoration typical of Swatow export ware.

The central motif features a dynamic figure, potentially symbolic, encircled by aquatic and floral designs including fish. The broad rim exhibits a repeated pattern of stylized flowers and wave or fish scale motifs. Its spontaneous, free-flowing brushwork and robust, coarse body—with signs of age such as kiln grit and sandy texture on the unglazed base—testify to its authenticity.

Measuring 17 cm in diameter, this exquisite piece, made for Southeast Asian and European markets, is a distinguished addition to any collection of Chinese ceramics or Asian art.