Description
Beautiful and sought after miniature example of 15th century Hoi An pottery featuring a scarce design of two birds and grasses. The bird designs are highly collectable.
1.25 inch tall jar.
The Hoi An shipwreck, sank in the late 15th-early 16th century (approximately A.D 1490). Produced in the middle 15th century, these ceramics come from the Hai Duong province (North Vietnam), which was known as the biggest production centre of ceramics and porcelain from medieval Vietnam. At that time, the Ming dynasty in China decreed a ban on maritime exports to Southeast Asia, leaving the opportunity for Vietnam to foster its ceramics and porcelain production. Little is known about the vessel that sank, including her name, so the discovered hoard was named after the nearby town of Faifo, today known as Hoi An.
Fishermen from the area discovered the wreck in the early 90s, snaring finds of blue and white pottery within their fishing nets which they then began taking to the nearby town. The government, realising the importance of the cargo, became involved and ordered underwater excavations, which took place from 1997-1999. Excavation of the area uncovered the trading vessel shipwreck and more than 150,000 objects.
Ceramics from the Hoi An Hoard are considered to be the most precious and complete representation of Vietnamese artisanship in glazed ceramics. They are far rarer than their Chinese counterparts, from Tek Sing.
