Chinese Song Terracotta Tile with Cranes

Comprising six shallow plates with dense floral border, central scene a bird on a flower meadow with insects flying above. 504 grams total, 12 cm



Ex Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 29-31 January 2007. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Ca Mau shipwreck.

The Ca Mau shipwreck refers to a cargo of Chinese porcelain sunk between 1723 and 1735 off the coast of Vietnam. The wreck was discovered by Vietnamese fishermen in 1998. It is believed the wreck was a merchant’s junk on its way from Canton (Guangzhou) to Batavia when it caught fire and sank. The ship was carrying goods destined for Dutch traders who had limited access to China and its ports.

Comprising three powder boxes with a flower motif to the lid and petal frieze to the body. 256 grams total, 55-56 mm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.

Figure of a courtly lady in floor-length robes with hands clasped at the chest; delicately painted facial detailing and hair dressed in a high coiffure. 260 grams, 22 cm



From a West Country, UK, collection, 1990s.