Rare Early Ming Dynasty Blue-And-White Porcelain Plates

A fine group of early Ming dynasty (c. 15th century) porcelain dishes, hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze with floral and foliate motifs. These plates were found in Japan, where Chinese porcelain from the Ming period was highly valued during the Muromachi period (1336–1573).Imported through maritime trade routes or brought by Zen monks and merchants, such pieces became prized possessions in Japanese temples and aristocratic households. They often appeared in tea ceremony contexts (chanoyu) and were carefully preserved, sometimes even remounted with lacquer repairs.Each plate displays slight variations in design and brushwork—typical of hand-crafted Ming blue-and-white ware from kilns such as Jingdezhen. The soft glaze and painterly touch highlight the transitional aesthetics between Yuan and mid-Ming porcelain styles.Date: Early Ming Dynasty, 15th centuryOrigin: Jingdezhen, ChinaProvenance: Found in JapanMaterial: Porcelain with cobalt underglaze decorationCondition: Very good for age, minor firing imperfections and wear; one with glaze line visibleCultural Note: Such wares were esteemed as karamono (Chinese imports) in Japan and integrated into Japanese material culture during the Muromachi period