Ming Dynasty Blue and White Charger with Cranes

• Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.
  
  

• Charger - A charger is a type of large plate, typically used as a decorative base for smaller plates or bowls. They are often used in formal settings, such as at a banquet or a special occasion.
  
  The history of chargers can be traced back to medieval times, when they were used as a base for serving dishes in banquet settings. They were typically made of metal, such as silver or pewter, and were highly decorative, often featuring intricate engravings or designs.
  
  During the Renaissance period, chargers began to be made of porcelain, and their designs became more ornate. They were often used in the homes of the wealthy and were considered a symbol of wealth and status.
  
  In the 18th and 19th centuries, chargers were produced in great numbers by European porcelain manufacturers, and they were exported to America and other parts of the world. They were highly sought after by the upper class and were often used as a decorative element in formal table settings.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Chinese antiquities by dynasty - Ming Dynasty 1,256
• Chinese ceramics, decoration - blue and white, platters and chargers 134
• Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period - Wanli mark 117
• Chinese ceramics, item type - platters 342