SWATOW WARES

various types of porcelain produced mostly in Fukien province, southeastern China, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Most pieces were exported to Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East; some went to the European market. At one time it was believed that this porcelain was shipped from the port of Swatow; contemporary records, however, do not bear this out. Most pieces are large plates and bowls, decorated in underglaze blue, although some are decorated with overglaze red, green, and turquoise; there was also a limited use of black. The decoration is loosely drawn, with an uninhibited, spontaneous quality that appeals to the modern eye.