<em>Charger</em>, 16th to mid–17th century (possibly). Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration, 3 15/16 x 20 3/8 in. (10 x 51.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2004.112.18. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2004.112.18_top_PS1.jpg)

Charger, 16th to mid–17th century (possibly). Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration, 3 15/16 x 20 3/8 in. (10 x 51.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2004.112.18. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2004.112.18_top_PS1.jpg)

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What is a charger? Why did the Ming dynasty like blue and white so much?

A charger is a decorative plate used in formal dinner services. It is placed underneath the plate one eats from, so it adds a splash of color or design that isn't coming into contact with food. "Charger" is also used to refer to any plate that is too large for a single person. Chargers were used as serving plates in a number of cultures, and in the Middle East were used communally. Blue and white porcelains became popular for Chinese audiences during the Ming dynasty. In previous times, blue-and-whites were more popular as an export. The appeal of the color at the time was the same as today, people really liked it! Additionally, cobalt was one of the only bright colors that you could apply under the glaze. Other colors would burn up in the glaze firing, so they had to be added on top of the glaze, which meant they chipped off easily.

Why is the blue on these different than on other Chinese ceramics I’ve seen?

As far at the plates: I believe the difference in color is simply a result of different ratio of chemicals in the pigment. My understanding is that Chinese potters at the time were striving for that same brilliant blue every time.

Charger

Asian Art

This magnificent service plate for formal occasions was made for export to the Middle East, most likely Iran. A similar example exists in the Topkapi Saray Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.

MEDIUM Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS

Place made: China
Place used: Iran

DATES 16th to mid–17th century (possibly)

DYNASTY Ming Dynasty

PERIOD Ming Dynasty

DIMENSIONS 3 15/16 x 20 3/8 in. (10 x 51.8 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2004.112.18

CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien

EXHIBITIONS

Infinite Blue

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Charger, 16th to mid–17th century (possibly). Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration, 3 15/16 x 20 3/8 in. (10 x 51.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2004.112.18. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2004.112.18_top_PS1.jpg)

IMAGE top, 2004.112.18_top_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

What is a charger? Why did the Ming dynasty like blue and white so much?

Why is the blue on these different than on other Chinese ceramics I’ve seen?