Ming Celadon Box from the Binh Thuan Shipwreck

Antique Chinese round boxes with a pale celadon glaze, originating from the late Ming Dynasty Wanli Period (1572 - 1620). Made by hand in Fujian Province, these beautiful boxes were salvaged from from the Binh Thuan shipwreck which sank in c. 1608. Each box and lid is unique due to tiny firing flaws in the glaze.

The story of the Binh Thuan shipwreck:

The shipwreck was initially discovered by local fishermen off the coast of Bin Thuan Province in Vietnam in early 2001, and eventually drew the attention of Vietnamese authorities. The site was officially excavated in October 2002, yielding a total of 34,000 pieces. Half of these were retained for Vietnamese museums, while the remaining 17,000 pieces were auctioned in Melbourne.

Archaeological investigations confirmed that the Chinese junk ship was transporting a cargo of Wanli porcelain from Zhangzhou in Southern China. It is believed that the junk may have sunk after striking a nearby reef. Historical records from the Dutch East India Company mentioned the loss of a junk belonging to Chinese merchant I Sin Ho in this region in 1608, en route to Johore on the Malay Peninsula. While there is no conclusive evidence, all signs strongly suggest that the Bin Thuan Wreck was the ill-fated vessel of I Sin Ho.

Sold individually. 

Please note this item is antique so slight signs of wear to be expected due to age.