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"Kraak" porcelain, a term derived from the Dutch word for a type of ship, refers to a specific style of late Ming blue and white porcelain that was produced specifically for export, and these pieces are an important example of the cross cultural exchange that occurred through trade and commerce. Kraak porcelain is characterized by its distinctive panelled designs, compartmentalized decorative elements, and often a blue and white color scheme. The pieces were made with specific markets in mind, and often had unique characteristics that made them highly desirable to overseas consumers. These pieces were produced in large quantities to meet the demands of the overseas market and were designed to be both durable and functional. The importance of the pieces for trade means that they are an important element in understanding the economic importance of Chinese pottery during the Ming era. The distribution of Kraak porcelain along international trade routes helped to spread the influence of Chinese artistic styles throughout Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. The study of Kraak porcelain provides valuable insights into the complexities of international trade and cultural exchange during the late Ming Dynasty, and the pieces that were produced during this era help to make up a vital part of our understanding of international artistic exchange. |
Tag : Kraak porcelain, Ming export ware, Chinese trade pottery, blue and white, global ceramics
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