Dimensions: Height 8,5 cm Wide 37 cm Depth 37cm
Weight: 2313 grams

The dish is painted in underglaze blue with a central roundel depicting a long-tailed phoenix (fenghuang) standing among blossoming flowers and fruiting branches, symbolising renewal < Backand prosperity. The bird is rendered with flowing plumage and a prominent crest, encircled by a band of floral sprays. The cavetto is divided into radiating panels alternately enclosing flower motifs and leafy branches, creating a rhythmic decorative scheme.

The reverse is plain, with traces of kiln grit adhering to the foot, characteristic of Swatow (Zhangzhou) ware. The glaze has a soft bluish tone, pooling in areas and showing light iron spots from firing.

Swatow wares were produced in Fujian province for export to Southeast Asia and beyond, their bold designs and auspicious motifs making them popular trade ceramics during the late Ming period. The phoenix, a quintessential emblem of grace and virtue, was a particularly favoured motif on such export wares.