A persimmon-glazed plate from the Zhangzhou kiln, Fujian Province, crafted towards the end of the Ming dynasty. This piece exemplifies the Japanese term Mochihana-te, denoting white slip-trailed decoration on monochrome glaze. The base, characteristic of Zhangzhou ware, bears coarse grits, while the white slip, applied to counteract the clay’s influence, has partially seeped through, creating a distinctive mottled effect.

Zhangzhou ware encompasses ceramics from various kilns active in the region during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Swatow ware historically referred to Zhangzhou ware exports, mistakenly attributed to the port’s location to Swatow (Shantou) in Guangdong Province. These wares were widely traded across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Japan. They were classified as Gosu (blue and white), Gosu-akae (overglaze enamel in red), and Susansai or Kochi ware (lead-glazed sancai) in Japan. Valued in the Japanese tea ceremony, this plate is a rare example of Mochihana-te decoration, featuring kachōfūgetsu (beauties of nature). The Zhangzhou kiln demonstrated remarkable adaptability, refining designs to suit export markets. This piece, reflecting tea masters’ refined tastes, embodies elegance and sophistication.

Aside from minor scratches on the reverse, the plate remains in excellent condition. It is housed in an old box inscribed “Nanjing Plate.”