| Kraak porcelain is a type of Chinese export porcelain with unique features which was produced in the second half of the sixteenth century for European market. It was the earliest type of export porcelain of some scale and had distinct characteristics. In this attempt to understand the rich cultural significance of Kraak porcelain, interdisciplinary research methodologies have been integrated. They include documentary and textual studies (history), calculations and statistics (economics), archaeological typology and stylistic analysis (art history and archaeology).;The aim of the thesis is to carry out a detailed study of Kraak porcelain, in particular specimen from datable contexts and archaeological material, so as to better understand the provenance of Kraak porcelain, its period of production and changes at different stages. Based on the results of the above examinations, a preliminary study of the sale and distribution of Kraak porcelain has been carried out---an area which has been neglected. Related issues such as order placing, different requirements of patrons and export routes are also discussed.;Due to limited sources available, Chinese scholars so far are slightly behind the Western scholars in the study of Chinese export porcelain. It is sincerely hope that the current in-depth analysis of Kraak porcelain will contribute to portray a more comprehensive picture of Chinese export porcelain. |
