Ceramic Wares on display in Melaka

Fukian was one of the districts in South China, which was actively involved in the ceramics industry during the 16 and 17 centuries.

However, they are not connect to the ceramics produced by the Ming or Ching dynasties, but were called for Swatow wares, named after the harbor from which they were exported overseas to Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, India and elsewhere.]

The differences between the Swatow ceramics and the Ming and Ching porcelain ware can be easily spotted.

The Swatow wares are usually large and coarse, with sand particles or minute stones attached to the glazed base.

They were attractive but were roughly made, in colours such as red, greenish blue and black.

There are also other  Swatow-made varieties such as those coated with a dull blue colour or celadon glaze.

The Swatow ceramics industry also produced wares with Islamic motifs and decorations as well as Arabic script and Quran verses for markets in the Muslim countries.

The Swatow industry was also affected by the political upheavals in China and eventually lost its identity.

The ceramic shards exhibited in the xxx are some of the samples of various types found in Melaka either through excavations or diggings by various departments.

The porcelain shards found through archaeological activities were from the areas around St. Paul’s Hill, mausoleum of Hang Tuah and in the reclaimed areas in Bandar Hilir

Ethnology & Heritage Museum

Ethnology & Heritage Museum

Ethnology & Heritage Museum

Ethnology & Heritage Museum